2L.  ,  /O  .  /^ 


V"  PRINCETON.  N.J.  ^ 


CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS, 

• AND •  I 

Historical  Sketclies  of  Missionary  Societies 


AMONG  THE 


Disciples  of  Christ, 


Historical  and  Statistical  Tables 

By  F.  M.  GREEN, 

AiMciate  Editor  of  the  Christian  Standard, 


With  &n  Introduction  by  W.  K.  PENDLETON,  President  of  Betliany  Collegi 


ST.  LOUIS: 
JOHN  BURNS  PUBLISHING  CO. 

1884. 


Copyrighttd,    18S4, 
By   JOHN    BURNS   PUBLISHING   CO. 


DEDICATION. 

Ta 

The    ancamplishad    Prssidant  nf   Bsthany    Callage ; 
TbB  eminent  scholar  and  sincEre  Christian, 

and 

My    faithful    friend    and    Christian     Ernther, 
Whose  interest  in  the  subject  of  Christian  Missions 
has  never  wearied, 

I  Dedicate  this  Volume, 

By  his  Permission, 
/is  an  expression  of  my  sincere  affection  and  Esteem, 


PREFACE. 

N  one  of  the  chapters  of  this  book  the  following 
language  is  used  :  "  The  tendency  to  retrospection 
and  historical  narration  is  not  merely  a  characteristic 
of  old  age  or  an  accident  of  human  decline.  It  is  a 
beneficent  arrangement  of  divine  Providence.  In  all 
education  experience  renders  an  important  service,  and 
for  its  teaching  there  is  no  substitute.  "  Thou  shalt  remember 
all  the  way  in  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  led  thee ;  "  "  One 
generation  shall  praise  thy  works  to  another,  and  shall  declare 
thy  mighty  acts,"  is  the  teaching  of  the  divine  oracles.  The 
past  is  thus  brought  forward  into  the  present;  the  stream  of 
tradition  is  kept  running ;  and  while  the  less  valuable  facts 
may  be  precipitated  and  left  by  the  way,  the  more  important 
are  borne  along  as  materials  for  the  continuous  history  of  our 
race.  Apart  from  this  provision  the  annals  of  the  world,  sacred 
and  secular,  would  have  been  far  more  meager  and  fragmentary 
than  they  are;  and  the  hand  of  God  in  history  would  have 
been  far  less  obvious  thnn  it  now  appears.  Every  generation 
completes  a  portion  of  history,  and  every  generation  should 
convey  to  its  successor  whatever  is  worthy  of  transmission. 
This  is  true  of  communities  whether  they  be  divinely  appointed 
or  merely  human  associations.  They  all  perfoim  a  part  in  the 
world's  complicated  machinery,  and  their  combined  acts  con- 


VI  PREFACE. 

tribute  something  to  the  world's  history.  The  actors  in  them 
are  continually  passing  away  and  new  ones  come  forward  to 
supply  their  places." 

The  great  call  of  the  age  is  for  light  upon  the  great  questions 
which  are  involved  in  the  civil,  political,  and  religious  life  and 
activities  of  mankind.  The  first  great  cry  of  the  universe 
which  God  answered,  was  the  cry  for  light,  and  the  sun  and 
moon  so  long  as  they  endure  are  the  testimony  to  the  fact. 
When  the  Word  was  made  "flesh"  and  dwelt  among  men  it 
was  the  second  answer  of  God  to  man's  urgent  appeal  for  light. 
The  appeals  for  light  —  more  light,  are  and  will  be,  the  demand 
of  every  age  until  the  day  when  there  shall  be  no  need  of  the 
sun  or  the  moon  for  the  glory  of  God  shall  cover  the  whole 
earth  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea. 

In  the  preparation  of  the  following  pages  the  author  has  been 
impelled  by  a  sincere  desire  to  furnish  all  the  light  possible 
upon  the  questions  discussed,  compatible  with  the  limits  of  the 
book. 

No  pretence  is  made  to  furnish  a  full  history  of  missions 
among  the  Disciples  of  Christ — sketches  of  missionary  societies 
is  all  that  has  been  attempted.  It  is  believed,  however,  that 
the  "sketches "  present  the  very  light  which  the  great  mass  of 
the  Disciples  need  upon  their  missionary  eflbrts  in  the  past  and 
the  "necessity  which  is  laid  upon  them  "  in  the  present. 

For  twenty-five  years  the  author  has  been  closely  allied  to 
the  missionary  interests  of  the  Disciples,  state  and  general,  and 
for  more  than  twenty-one  years  he  has  been  an  active  partici- 
pant in  state  and  general  missions.  His  own  personal  experi- 
ence, therefore,  corroborates  much  that  is  said  in  the  following 
pages. 

So  far  as  known  to  the  author  there  is  only  one  complete  set 
of  the  minutes  of  the  General  Christian  Missionary  Conven- 
tion in  existance,  and  that  set  has  been  in  the  author's  posses- 


PREFACE.  VU 

sion  for  the  most  of  the  time  for  the  past  seven  years.  If  by 
accident  it  were  destroyed,  there  is  no  way  of  obtaining  witli 
fulness  or  accuracy  the  history  and  progress  of  that  society  up 
to  the  year  1869. 

In  the  preparation  of  the  book  the  author  has  had  access  to 
a  large  number  of  the  published  records  of  the  societies  named 
in  it;  to  the  Christian  Baptist ;  to  the  forty-one  volumes  of  the 
Millennial  Harbinger ;  the  "  Memoirs  of  A.  Campbell"  by  Dr.  R. 
Richardson  ;  to  many  of  the  religious  newspapers  published  by 
the  Disciples;  besides  much  personal  correspoudence  from 
those  who  are  familiar  with  the  questions  about  which  they 
have  written.  In  every  case  where  it  was  practicable  the  facts 
stated  have  been  taken  from  official  or  otherwise  trustworthy 
documents,  or  have  been  received  in  answer  to  personal  solici- 
tation, or  from  the  experience,  and  personal  examination  and 
observation  of  the  author. 

For  general  facts  in  regard  to  Christian  missions,  and  senti- 
mental treatment  of  the  question,  indebtedness  is  acknowledged 
to  the  Encyclopedic  Literature  of  Missions  ;  Historical  Sketches 
of  Woman's  Missionary  Societies,  by  Mrs.  L.  H.  Daggett ;  The 
Reports  of  the  A.  B.  C.  F.  M.;  The  Reports  of  the  Baptist,  Pres- 
byterian and  Methodist  Societies;  "  Missions  and  Science  "  by 
Dr.  Thomas  Laurie;  "Foreign  Missions"  by  Dr.  Theodore 
Christlieb  ;  "Christian  Missions"  by  Prof.  Julius  H.  8eelye  ; 
"  The  Great  Commission  "  by  Dr.  John  Harris;  besides  the 
curr^t  volumes  of  miscellaneous  European  and  American 
missionary  magazines. 

I  also  acknowledge  with  special  pleasure,  the  aid  rendered  in 
the  preparation  of  the  book,  by  Thomas  Munnell,  A.  E.  Myers, 
Dr.  R.  T.  Brown,  Dr.  J.  G.  Chinn,  and  VV.  K.  Pendleton.  The 
latter  very  kindly  examined  the  manuscript  and  otherwise  ren- 
dered willing  and  appreciative  service.  I  desire  to  call  atten- 
tion to  the  testimony  which  he  gives  to  the  value  of  the  book 


\111  PREFACE. 

in  his  "Introduction."    Others  have  also  rendered  good  service 
to  the  author,  for  which  they  will  please  accept  his  thanks. 

It  is  my  purpose  to  revise  the  statistical  and  historical  tables 
and  directory  each  year,  so  as  to  make  them,  with  the  re- 
mainder of  the  book,  continually  valuable  for  current  use. 

Kent,  Portage  Co.,  O.,  F.  M.  GREEN. 

February  14,  1884. 


INTRODUCTION 

VERY  movement  in  the  life  of  society  or  of  the  church 
^=A  that  deserves  to  live,  deserves  also  to  have  its  history 
preserved.  We  naturally  desire  to  look  into  the  be- 
ginnings of  things  that  have  grown  into  engines  of 
usefulness  to  the  world ;  and  when  adequate  records 
are  not  preserved  of  the  origin  and  early  struggles  of  their  ex- 
istence, it  is  a  loss  to  posterity  which  nothing  can  repair.  It 
takes  but  a  few  years  for  oblivion  to  cover  up  from  the  knowl- 
edge of  men,  the  history  of  the  most  important  steps  of  human 
progress.  Even  the  living  actors  in  great  movements,  both  in 
the  state  and  the  church,  forget,  or  become  confused  in  their 
memory  of  the  events  of  their  earlier  years,  and  unless  they 
fix  them  in  writing,  find  it  impossible  correctly  to  recall  them. 
A  quarter  of  a  century  brings  a  new  generation  upon  the  stage, 
and  the  events  that  immediately  preceded  them  are  as  much 
matter  of  history  as  are  those  which  were  enacted  before  the 
flood.  They  must  take  them  from  tradition,  or  else  search  for 
them  in  the  ephemeral  forms  of  newspaper  or  periodical 
literature. 

This  is  pre-eminently  true  of  those  popular  movements  which 
are  not  ordained  or  regulated  by  law,  nor  are  the  expression  of 
the  organized  and  constitutional  life  of  civil  government,  but 
which  are  the  spontaneous  outgrowth  of  individual  freedom. 


X  IXTRODUOTION. 

prompted  ouly  by  couscience,  and  guided  only  by  convictions 
of  duty.  They  have  no  sworn  official  keeper  of  the  rolls,  no 
trreat  seal  of  state,  no  courts  of  record,  no  place  of  archives,  to 
which  subsequent  explorers  can  turn  for  information,  but  only 
the  perishable  "minutes  of  proceedings,"  or  newspaper  re- 
ports which  but  few  persons  preserve,  and  still  fewer  take  the 
trouble  to  consult.  Hence  the  importance  of  frequent  sum- 
maries of  their  transactions,  and  of  the  embodiment  in  au- 
thentic and  reliable  historic  form  of  their  progress  and  de- 
velopment. 

We  are  gratified  to  introduce  to  the  public  such  a  work  with 
respect  to  the  origin  and  successful  growth  of  missionary 
effort  among  the  Disciples.  It  is  now  thirty-four  years  since 
this  work  was  first  formally  organized  among  us,  and  already 
the  history  of  the  rise  and  early  struggles  of  the  society  which 
was  then  formed,  is  largely  hidden  from  the  knowledge  of  the 
living  generation.  Familiar  as  I  have  been  with  its  affairs 
from  the  beginning,  and  stimulated,  as  I  have  ever  been,  by  an 
earnest  interest  in  its  success,  to  watch  and  remember  its 
every  phase  of  fortune,  I  yet  find  myself  in  need  of  a  reliable 
chronicle  of  its  proceedings  to  help  my  memory,  and  keep 
vividly  before  me  the  noble  men  that  have  bonored  its  mem- 
bership, and  their  faithful  and  imperishable  service. 

Such  a  chronicle,  1  thankfully  greet  in  this  work  of  my 
friend  and  brother,  F.  M.  Green. 

Of  his  fitness  to  do  this  work  we  cannot  speak  too  highly. 
He  has  been  enthusiastically  interested  in  our  missionary 
work  from  the  first  years  of  his  ministry — has  been  for  seven 
years  officially  connected  with  the  management  of  its  affairs, 
and  has  devoted  himself  to  the  gathering  and  preservation  of 
the  materials  of  its  history,  with  a  persistency  and  zeal  shown 
by  no  one  else  among  its  friends.  He  is  perhaps,  the  only  man 
living  who  has  a  complete  set  of  its  "proceedings," — and  has 


INTRODUCTION.  XI 

given  more  time  to  their  study,  and  the  careful  arrangement 
and  generalization  of  their  matter  than  any  other  member  of 
the  organization. 

That  he  has  done  his  work  conscientiously,  lovingly  and  well 
will  be  conceded  by  all  who  may  examine  it ;— and  that  it  is  a 
work  that  deserves  to  be  done  and  cordially  welcomed,  will  be 
gratefully  acknowledged  by  every  disciple  of  Christ. 

I  have  been  impressed  while  reading  this  history,  with 
the  writer's  strong  grasp  of  the  subject,  his  fine  analysis  of  the 
great  mass  of  facts  with  which  he  had  to  deal,  his  just  inter- 
pretation of  their  significance— his  patient  labor  in  gathering 
and  tabulating  statistics,  his  noble  appreciation  of  the  grand 
men  whom  he  found  enlisted  in  the  cause  of  missions,,  and  in 
it  all,  with  the  steadfastness  of  his  own  adherence  and  the 
zealous  eloquence  of  his  advocacy. 

I  heartily  commend  this  book  because  : — 

First. — It  is  a  faithful  and  correct  statement  of  important 
movements  of  the  church,  which  ought  to  be  held  in  grateful 
remembrance,  and  which  else  might  be  forever  forgotten. 

Second. — It  is  full  of  information  which  all  friends  of  mis- 
sions ought  to  know,  and  which  but  few  could  be  able  any- 
where else  to  find. 

Third. — It  is  an  inspiring  illustration  of  the  evangelic  spirit 
of  the  noble  men  whom  we  delight  to  honor  as  the  pioneers  of 
the  reformation. 

Fourth. — It  reveals  to  the  young  and  representative  disciples 
of  to-day,  the  fact  that  nearly  every  name  they  have  learned 
to  revere,  as  among  the  foremost  of  the  fathers  of  the  refor- 
mation, is  found  conspicuously  enrolled  in  the  ranks  of  this 
great  and  divinely  ordained  work  of  missions. 

Fifth. — It  is  a  splendid  argument  for  the  value  and  efficacy  of 
organization  in  this  work — an  eloquent  testimony  ti   tlie  prac- 


Xil  HfTKODUCTION. 

tical  wisdom  of  the  method  for  fulfilling  the  commission  of  the 
Savior  to  "  Go  into  all  the  world  and  preach  the  gospel  to 
every  creature." 

Sixth. — Because  it  aflfords  a  beautiful  and  striking  illustra- 
tion of  the  evangelical  unity  of  the  church  in  its  catholic 
organization  for  the  conversion  of  the  world,  and  its  congre- 
gational independence  in  the  separate  management  of  its  in- 
ternal discipline  and  life. 

Brother  Green  has  done  us  a  valuable  service  in  preparing 
this  book.  He  has  spent  much  labor  and  patient  thought  in 
its  composition.  He  has  written  it  in  love  of  the  work  of 
which  it  is  a  history,  and  with  a  zealous  eloquence  which  must 
touch  our  hearts.  Let  us  reward  him  by  giving  it  a  wide  cir- 
culation. 

W.  K.  PENDLETON. 
Bethany  College, 

February,  1884. 


CONTENTS. 

Page 
Dedication  -  -  -  -  •         iii 

Preface  -  .  -  -  -  v 

Introduction        .  -  -  -  -       ix 

CHAPTER   I 

Christian  Missions:— The  law  of  Missions  —  History  of  Chris- 
tian Missions  — The  nineteenth  century  a  Missionary 
century  —  The  origin  and  organization  of  the  A.  B.  0.  F. 
M.— The  Disciples  of  Christ— Foreign  Missionary  Socie- 
ties—The  direct  benefits  of  Christian  Missions  —  Objec- 
tions to  Christian  Missions — Devotedness  to  Christian 
Missions— The  power  of  Christian  Missions.   Pages  19-55 

CHAPTER  II. 

General  Christian  Missionary  Convention  :  — The  value  of 
retrospection  —  Providence  and  the  Disciples  of  Christ  — 
1809  to  1823  the  preparatory  period  — 1823  to  1849  the  "bat- 
tle of  the  giants  "  —The  "  Christian  Baptist "  —  The  "  Mil- 
lennial Harbinger  "—Address of  W.  K.  Pendleton  in  1866— 
Mr.  Pendleton's  historical  address  in  1874.    -     Pages  66-99 

CHAPTER  III. 

Genkraii  Christian  Missionary  Convbntion:  —  Organized  in 
1849  —  Number  of  Delegates  present —  Names  of  Dele- 
gates—  Number  of  churches  represented  —  The  character 


XIV  CONTENTS. 

of  the  meeting? — 'Mr.  Campbell's  feelings  in  regard  to  the 
meeting — Minutes  of  the  first  meeting — Action  in  regard 
to  Sunday-schools —  First  officers  of  the  society — Original 
draft  of  a  Constitution — The  name  of  the  new  society,  by 
whom  proposed. Pages  100-117 

CHAPTER   IV. 

The  Growth  of  the  Missionary  Idea  :  — Difficulties  of  coopera- 
tion—  The  two-fold  work  of  the  Disciples  —  Extreme 
views  —  Extracts  from  the  annual  reports  of  the  Board  of 
Managers  — 1849  D.  S.  Burnet  — 1850  James  Challen  — 1853 
Alexander  Campbell,  extracts  from  president's  address  — 
1855  Walter  Scott  — 1856  D.  S.  Burnet  — 1857  Benjamin 
Franklin  — 1858  Isaac  Errett  — 1864  B.  W.  Johnson  — 1865 
O.  A.  Burgess  — 1866  John  Shackleford  — 1869  to  1878 
Thomas  Munnell—  1878  to  1882  F.  M.  Green  — 1883  Robert 
MoliVtt — Money  and  missions — The  "  Louisville  plan  "  — 
General  prosperity  of  the  society.        -  Pages  118-149 

CHAPTER  V. 

Changes  in  the  Constitution  :  —  What  such  changes  indicate — 
Changes  in  1850  — Changes  in  1853 — Changes  in  1856  — 
Changes  in  1868  —  The  great  controversy  over  "plans  "  — 
Semi-annual  meeting  in  St.  Louis  in  1869 — Appointment  of 
the  "  Committee  of  Twenty  "—The  Louisville  Convention 
in  1869 — Adoption  of  the  "  Ivouisville  plan" — The  changes 
in  ISSl. Pages  150-159 

CHAPTER  VI. 

The  Finances  of  tiik  (General  Society:  —  The  Christian  Hymn 
Book — The  Gift  of  the  copyright  by  Alexander  Campbell— 
The  Deed  of  Trust  —  Contracts  for  publication  of  the  re- 
vised book  —  Xumber  of  copies  sold — ^Amount  of  revenue 
derived  —  Life  Directorships,  etc. —  Total  receipts  to  the 
General  Treasury  by  years  —  Total  receipts  to  Auxiliary 
State  Treasuries  by  years.         -         -         -    Pages  J60-170 


CONTENTS.  XV 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Officiary  of  thk  General  Society -.  —  Presidents:  Alexander 
Campbell —David  S.  Burnet— Richard  M.  Bishop  — Isaac 
Errett- AV.  K.  Pendleton  — Alvin  I.  Hobbs  — Winthrop 
H.  Hopson  — Thomas  P.  Haley  — Robert  Moflfett  —  B.  B. 
Tyler  — D.  R.  Dungan  — A.  G.  Thomas— Corresponding 
Secretaries:  — James  Challen —Thurston  Crane- C.  L. 
LooR—BenjaminFranklin— Isaac  Errett—B.W.  Johnson— 
O.  A.  Burgess— VV.  C.  Rogers— John  Shackleford— Thomas 
Munnell— F.  M.  Green— Robert  Motiett— Board  of  Man- 
agers—Recording  Secretaries— Treasurers.      Pages  171-181 

CHAPTER  YIII. 

The  Gkneral  Convention  and  the  Churches:  —Charges  against 
the  Society— No  danger  of  despotism— What  the  records 
show  —  Preachers  and  churches — Sunday-schools  and 
churches— The  object  of  the  General  Society— The  object 
of  the  State  Societies— Ohio— Nebraska— North  Carolina- 
New  York  — Indiana—  Missouri  — Arkansas  — West  Vir- 
ginia—Pennsylvania-Michigan— Foreign  Christian  xMis- 
sionary  Society  — C.  W.  B.  M.         -         -        Pages  182-188 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Results  of  General  Mission  Work: —  Probable  results  — Ad- 
ditions to  the  church— Additions  by  auxiliaries— General 
statistics  of  membership  —  Conclusion.  Pages  189-193 

CHAPTER  X. 

The  Foreign  Christian  Missionary  Society  :  —Date  of  organiza 
tion  in  1875  —  Its  temporary  ofiicers  —  Persons  present  at 
the  organization— Constitution — Its  first  officers— Foreign 
Missions  in  1849— Resolutions  by  John  T.  Johnson  and 
"Father  Palmer  "—Dr.  James  T.  Barclay —  The  mission 
in  Jerusalem— Alexander  Campbell  and  others  on  foreign 
missions  —  Reports  of  Committees  on  foreign  missions  — 
Selection  of  missionaries — J.  S  Lamar  and  J.  H.  Hardin— 
Dr.  A.  Hoick  and  H.  S.  Earl  — Extracts  from  reports  of 
the  Board  ...  -  -      Pages  194-218 


XVI  COJNTEI^TS. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Officiary  of  the  F.  C.  M.  Society  :  — Presidents  of  the  Society — 
Corresponding  Secretaries  of  the  Society —  Recording 
Secretaries  of  the  Society  —  Treasurers  of  the  Society  — 
Places  of  meeting — Board  of  Managers  —  Names  and  ad- 
dresses of  Missionaries  —  Missionary  stations  —  Receipts 
and  expenses.  ...  -         Pages  219-223 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Christian  Woman's  Board  of  Missions  :  — Woman's  work  in  the 
church  — A  Christian  woman  —  Extract  from  Miss  Hart's 
introduction  to  "  Historical  Sketches,  etc." — The  philoso- 
phy of  woman's  missionary  societies — ^The  annals  ol 
Christian  women  —  Extract  from  an  address  by  Walter 
Scott  — Poetry  by  Mrs.  Judson.         -       -       Pages  224-232 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

History  of  the  C.  W.  B.  M  :  —  Events  which  led  to  the  forma- 
tion of  the  Society  —  The  call  for  a  general  meeting — ■ 
Organization  of  the  t^ociety — Jamaica  —  First  missionary 
employed  —  Ely  Bronson's  contributions — W.  K.  Azbill 
and  Jamaica  —  C.  W.  B.  M.  and  France — C.  W.  B.  M.  and 
India  —  Condition  of  the  society  in  1883 — C.  W.  B.  M.  and 
Western  Missions.  -         -         -         -         Pages  233-275 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

C.  W.  B.  M.  Historical  and  Statistical  Tables:  —  Presidents 
of  the  Society — Corresponding  Secretaries  of  the  Society — 
Recording  Secretaries  of  the  Societj'^ — Treasurers  of  the  So- 
ciety— Places  of  Meeting — Receipts  and  Expenses — Com- 
parative Contributions  by  States— Namos  of  Missions  and 
where  located—  Prospects  of  the  Society.        Pages  276-280 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Ohio  Christian  Missionary  Society  : —  Characteristics  of  the 
Society  —  In  some  Respects  a  MuJel  Society  —  Its  Care- 
fully Kept  Records  —  Number  and  Place  of  its    Annual 


ooNTK^rFB.  xvii 

Meetings  —  Number  and  Name  of  its  Presidents  —  Num- 
ber and  Name  of  its  Corresponding  Secretaries — Number 
and  Name  of  its  Recording  Secretaries  —  Presidents  of  its 
Board  of  Managers  — Number  of  Preachers  Employed  — 
Number  of  Days  Labor  —  Number  of  Sermons — Number 
of  Additions  —  Number  of  Churches  Organized  —  Amount 
of  money  raised  for  missions.        -         -         Pages  281-283 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

O.  C.  M.  S.  Origin  and  History: — Isaac  Errett's  Address  — 
Events  which  led  to  its  Formation  — The  Mahoning  Asso- 
ciation—  Meeting  for  Organization  at  Wooster  in  1852  — 
Some  of  the  Delegates  present  —  Its  First  Board  of  Mana- 
gers—Its  Second  year  of  work  —  The  Society  and  the 
Baptist  Convention  —  The  heavenly  reunion  of  those  who 
were  present  at  the  First  Meeting — D.  S.  Burnett's  Last 
Will  and  Testanaent  — Conclusion.         -         Pages  284-318 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

O.C.M.  S.  Annual  Reports: — Their  Business-like  Character— 
The  Age  of  the  Society — Those  who  have  been  of  its  Board 
of  Managers  —  Changes  in  Management  not  abrupt  —  Its 
Corresponding  Secretaries  —  R.  R.  Sloan  —  Extracts  from 
his  Annual  Reports — Advocacy  of  the  Society — Answers 
to  objections — Definition  of  Missionary  work— W.  K.  Pen- 
dleton's address  on  "An  Elevated  Christian  Literature" — 
Resolutions  by  John  F.  Rowe  — Present  Condition  of  the 
Society. Pages  319-329 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Other  State  Societies— Kentucky— Letter  of  Dr.  J.  G.Chinn— 
John  Rogers— J.  W.  McGarvey,  Thomas  Munnell— The 
Colored  Disciplesof  Kentucky— Two  periods  in  Kentucky 
missionary  history —  Indiana —  Dr.  R.  T.  Brown's  letter — 
John  O'Kane  to  the  A.  C .  M.  S.—  Illinois  —  John  T.  Jones 
to  the  A.  C.  M.  S.  —  N.  S.  Haynes'  Report  for  1883  — New 
York  —  Iowa  —  Michigan  —  Missouri — West  Virginia  — 
A.  E.  Myers'  report  —  North  Carolina  —  Georgia  — Arkan- 


Xviii  CONTENTS. 

sas  —  Nebraska  —  Pennsylvania  —  Wisconsin  —  Texas  — 
South  Carolina —  Virginia  — Colorado  —  Maryland  — Ore- 
gon—  California  —  Kansas — 'General  Christian  (colored) 
Missionary  Convention.        .        -         -       -    Pages  330-368 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Constitutions  of  Missionary  Societies  :  —  What  the  Constitu- 
tions teach  —  The  A.  C  M.  Society  in  1849  —  The  G.  C.  M. 
Convention  in  1869— The  G.  C.  M.  Convention  in  1883  — 
The  F.  C.  M.  Society  1883  — The  C.  W.  B.  of  Missions  1883 
—Auxiliary  Constitution  C.  AV.  B.  M.  — The  O.  C.  M. 
Society  1883— Michigan  1883— West  Virginia  1883— Arkan- 
sas 1883  — Missouri  1883  — Iowa  1883— New  York  1883  — 
Nebraska  1883  — North  Carolina  1883  — Kansas  1883  — 
Illinois  1883— Wisconsin  1883— Colorado  1883— Indiana 
1883. Pages  369-422 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Statisticaland  Historical  Tables:  — The  Ohio  Christian  Mis- 
sionary Society — No.  I.  Historical  Table — No.  II.  Histori- 
cal Table— No.  III.  Special  foreign  missionary  societies  — 
No.  IV.  Aggregate  results  for  foreign  missions  of  one  hun- 
dred foreign  missionary  societies  in  1882  —  No.  V.  Chris- 
tian missionary  societies.        ...         Pages  423-429 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

Missionary  Directory  1883-84:— F.  CM.  Society  — G.  CM. 
Convention— C  W.  B.  of  Missions— Ohio  C.  M.  Society- 
Indiana  C.  M.  Society  —  Kentucky  C  M.  Convention- 
Illinois  C  M.  Convention — Arkansas  C  M.  Convention- 
North  Carolina  C.  M.  Convention —  New  York  C  M.  So- 
ciety—  Missouri  Christian  Convention  —  California  State 
Board  of  Evangelization — Kansas  CM.  Convention — 
Oregon  Mission  Board  —  Michigan  C  M.  Association  — 
West  Virginia  C  M.  Convention  —  Pennsylvania  CM. 
Convention  —  Wisconsin  C  M.  Society  — Iowa  Christian 
Convention  —  (Colorado  C  M.  Society  —  Nebraska  C  M. 
Convention  —  Forms  of  Bequest.        -        -      Pages  430-438 


CHAPTER  I. 

CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

•HERE  is  no  page  of  history,  secular  or  sacred, 
more  intensely  interesting  and  profitable  than 
that  whereon  are  recorded  the  bloodless  vic- 
tories of  the  militant  church  of  Christ. 
The  gospel  of  Christ  is  not  a  theory  but  a 
history.  The  preaching  of  the  gospel  is  not  the  proc- 
lamation of  a  doctrine  but  the  holding  up  of  a  life. 
The  truths  of  the  gospel  are  historical  facts  and, 
therefore,  cannot  be  expressed  in  abstract  state- 
ments which  the  understanding  or  the  imagination 
can  exhaust.  "  It  is  a  sentiment,  a  deed,  a  living 
person  with  which  we  are  brought  face  to  face  in  the 
gospel.  The  historical  Christ,  who  lived  and  died 
and  rose  again,  and  who  ever  lives  in  His  disciples, 
reproducing  himself  in  every  Christian  life,  where- 
ever  found,  and  who  makes  His  people  thus  the  in- 
spiration of  other  souls,  he  is  the  wisdom  of  God  and 
the  power  of  God  to  every  one  that  believeth." 

Neither  is  Christianity  a  doctrine  or  a  system  of 
doctrine ;  it  is  a  life,  a  life  so  far  as  the  individual 
Christian  represents  it,  which  cannot  be  satisfied  ex- 
cept by  the  conquest  of  the  world  to  Christ.  Even 
worship  itself  does  not  so  much  consist  in  uttering 

19 


20  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

praise  to  God,  and  making  prayers  long  or  short,  or 
telling  God  how  much  we  love  Him,  as  in  doing  good 
and  communicating  of  our  substance  to  those  who 
need.  "  Pure  and  undefiled  worship  is  to  visit  the 
fatherless  and  widows  in  their  affliction  and  to  keep 
himself  unspotted  from  the  world ; "  and  Christians 
are  commanded,  "  To  do  good  and  communicate,  for- 
get not,  for  with  such  sacrifices  God  is  well  pleased." 
As  a  general  truth  it  may  he  affirmed  that,  no  law 
of  nature  can  be  obeyed  without  advantage  to  him 
who  obeys  it ;  nor  be  violated  without  avenging  itself 
and  vindicating  its  authority.  The  same  is  true  of 
the  laws  of  the  Church  of  Christ.  And  accordingly 
it  can  easily  be  shown,  by  an  induction  of  the  great 
facts  of  its  history,  that  in  every  age  it  has  flour- 
ished or  declined  in  proportion  as  it  has  fulfilled  the 
primary  object  of  its  constitution.  The  period  of  its 
first  and  greatest  activity  was  the  season  of  its  great- 
est prosperity.  It  expanded  without  the  aid  of  any 
man's  favorite  instrumentalities,  such  as  learning, 
eloquence,  wealth,  or  arms;  indeed  it  achieved  its 
triumphs  in  the  face  of  all  these.  In  its  progress, 
idol  temples  fell  and  Christian  sanctuaries  were  sub- 
stituted. The  church  was  acting  and  living  in  its 
true  character  and  fulfilling  its  office  as  the  repre- 
sentative of  the  cross  to  the  world ;  and  the  thunders 
of  its  mightiest  victories  were  as  tender  and  touch- 
ing as  the  good  mother's  cradle  song  beside  her  in- 
fant child.  Had  the  Christians  of  each  succeeding 
generation  continued  as  faithful  and  active  as  were 
the  Christians  of  the  first  generation ;  had  we  heard 


CHRISTIAlf   MISSIONS.  21 

only  of  their  early  history  and  triumphant  progress 
from  land  to  land ;  how  naturally  might  we  enquire 
the  date  when  the  gospel  completed  a  universal  con- 
quest, and  at  what  precise  period  it  was  that  India 
embraced  the  faith  of  Christ ;  how  long  it  was  be- 
fore China  was  evangelized ;  and  Japan  heard  the 
story  of  life ;  and  whether  there  was  not  a  year  of 
jubilee  on  earth  when  the  gospel  had  been  preached 
to  the  last  of  the  heathens,  and  in  what  year  the 
festival  occurred.     These  inquiries  sound  strangely 
enough  to  our  ears  to-day,  but  they  would  have  been 
like  the  tones  of  a  kinsman's  voice,  instead  of  the 
voice  of  a  stranger,  had  the  church  not  forgotten  its 
"first  love."    The  decline  of  Christian  devotedness 
and  activity  was  the  decline  of  Christian  prosperity. 
So  soon  as  the  church  lost  sight  of  its  expansive 
character  and  heard  only  with  dull  ears  the  mandate 
of  its  Founder,  "  Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach 
the  gospel  to  every  creature,"  it  began  to  lose  ground 
to  the  world,  and  the  strength,  which  should  have 
been  spent  in  conflict  with  foes  without,  was  ex- 
hausted in  fierce  contentions  within.     "When  it 
ought  to  have  been  the  almoner  of  God  to  the  world, 
it  became  the  great  extortioner,  absorbing  the  wealth 
of  nations.    When  it  ought  to  have  been  the  channel 
of  the  water  of  life  to  the  world  it  became  a  stag- 
nant reservoir  in  which  the  very  element  of  life  cor- 
rupted   and    bred  '  all  monstrous,   all    prodigious 
things.'    When  it  ought  to  have  been  the  birth-place 
of  souls  it  was  the  grave  of  piety,  so  that  in  order  to 
live  it  was  necessary  to  leave  it.    And  at  the  moment 


22  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

when  it  should  have  been  giving  law  to  pnhlic  opin- 
ion, and  have  attained  to  tlie  mastery  of  the  world, 
it  was  actually  in  alliance  with  it — ^the  willing  and 
accomplished  agent  of  its  vilest  purposes."  No  one 
familiar  with  the  history  of  the  "great  apostacy" 
will  dispute  the  truthfulness  of  the  foregoing  state- 
ments. 

But  as  every  depaiiTure  of  the  church  from  its  mis- 
sionary design  is  sure  to  be  avenged,  so  we  may  ex- 
pect that  every  return  to  that  character  will  be 
divinely  acknowledged  and  blessed.  And  all  church 
history  confirms  this  statement.  But  if  we  had  no 
facts  at  hand  to  prove  it,  the  injunctions  which  our 
Lord  gave  to  the  seven  Asiatic  churches  to  go  back 
to  their  first  love  and  repent  and  do  their  first  works, 
and  His  promises  of  prosperity,  would  lead  us  to  in- 
fer it ;  the  uniformity  of  the  divine  procedure  would 
warrant  us  to  expect  it;  the  very  return  itself,  im- 
plying as  it  would  a  divine  inflaence,  would  be  proof 
of  it.  But  the  facts  lie  clearly  and  fairly  on  the  his- 
toric page.  Even  the  history  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
Church  demonstrates  that  every  apparent  return  to 
first  principles  has  been  in  so  far,  a  return  to  out- 
ward prosperity.  And  while  facts  demonstrate  that 
activity  will  keep  alive  even  a  corrupt  system,  the 
history  of  every  Protestant  denomination  in  Chris- 
tendom, during  the  last  seventy-five  years,  clearly 
proves  that  every  return  to  spiritual  devotedness  and 
activity  is  in  so  far,  a  return  to  divine  prosperity. 
So  true  is  this  proposition  that  if  we  ascertain  the 
measure  of  holy  activity  in  any  church,  we  have  as- 


HISTORY    OF   CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS.  23 

certained  the  measure  of  its  internal  prosperity ;  so 
that  a  person  might  at  any  time  safely  say,  ""  Tell 
me  which  church  is  most  scriptui'ally  active  and  ag- 
gressive in  its  spirit  and  I  will  tell  you  which  is  the 
most  prosperous." 

HISTORY    OF    CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

We  use  the  word  Christian  in  its  broad,  catholic 
meaning,  and  not  in  the  narrow  sense  of  a  denomi- 
nation. The  history  of  modern  missions  scarcely 
reaches  yet  three-fourths  of  a  century.  It  is  true, 
however,  taking  the  old  world  with  the  new,  that  the 
era  of  Protestant  missions  commenced  in  the  eight- 
eenth century.  While  this  is  a  fact  of  history,  yet 
it  is  not  wholly  true  that  the  missionary  spirit  had 
slumbered  in  the  church  from  the  Apostolic  age  till 
then.  Every  intermediate  century  had  witnessed  the 
diffusion  of  at  least,  nominal  Christianity.  The 
original  impulse  given  to  the  progress  of  the  gospel 
had  evidently  declined  as  early  as  the  tldrcl  century, 
but  notwithstanding  this  fact,  we  find  Christianity  in 
the  fourth  century  in  Persia,  Armenia,  Iberia,  Ethi- 
opia, and  England.  The  fifth  century  was  signal- 
ized by  the  nominal  conversion  of  several  of  the 
German  nations  and  the  introduction  of  Christianity 
into  Ireland.  In  the  sixth  centiuy  Christianity  was 
professedly  embraced  by  many  of  the  barbarous 
nations  bordering  on  the  Euxine  sea  and  was 
more  widely  diffused  among  the  Gauls.  Ecclesias- 
tical missionaries  from  England,  Scotland  and  Ire- 


24  CHKISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

land  earned  tlie  gospel  in  the  serientTi  century  to 
Batavia,  Belgium  and  several  of  tlie  German  na- 
tions; and  traces  of  its  extensive  propagation  are 
found  in  the  remotest  regions  of  Asia,  carried  thither 
by  the  Nestorian  Christians  of  Syria,  Persia,  and 
India.  In  the  eigJtth  century  Tartary,  parts  of  Ger- 
many, Friesland,  and  Saxony  were  the  principal  ad- 
ditions to  the  domains  of  Christendom.  In  the  ninth 
centuiy  Denmark  and  Sweden,  Belgium  and  Moravia 
professed  subjection  to  the  faith,  as  well  as  parts  of 
Slavonia  and  of  Russia.  From  Moravia  the  gospel 
was  carried  into  Bohemia.  In  the  tenth  century, 
"  the  rays  of  Christian  light  began  to  enter  Poland ; 
in  Hungary,  Christianity  was  made  the  national  re- 
ligion by  a  royal  decree,  and  in  Norway  it  was  im- 
posed by  the  severest  measures."  From  Norway  it 
was  carried  into  Iceland,  the  Faro  and  Shetland 
islands  and  even  into  Greenland.  The  eleventh  cen- 
tury saw  Christianity  established  as  the  national 
religion  of  Russia  and  records  its  wider  diflftision  in 
the  East.  Conquest  and  conversion  had  now  come 
to  mean  nearly  the  same  thing ;  and  hence,  in  the 
twelfth  century  the  political  subjugation  of  Pomer- 
aniawas  followed  by  its  nominal  subjugation  to  the 
Christian  faith;  the  island  of  Ruegen,  long  the 
stronghold  of  Heathenism,  was  subdued  and  its  in- 
habitants baptized;  and  the  conquered  Fins  were 
compelled  to  submit  to  the  same  rite.  The  nominal 
church  was  still  further  enlarged  in  the  thirteenth 
century  by  the  forced  submission  of  Prussia,  Livonia, 
and  many  of  the  northern  provinces ;  as  well  as  by 


HISTORY    OF   CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS.  25 

the  recovery  of  portions  of  tlie  Saracenic  territories 
in  Spain.  The  fourteenth  century  was  marked  "by 
the  professed  conversion  of  the  Lithuanians,  one 
of  the  last  of  the  heathen  nations  of  Europe  which 
emhraced  Christianity ;  while  the  fifteenth  was  in- 
delibly stained  by  the  forced  subjection  of  parts  of 
the  newly  discovered  hemisphere  of  America.  To- 
wards the  middle  of  the  sixteenth  century  Ignatius 
Loyola  founded  the  order  of  the  Jesuits;  one  of 
whose  grand  objects  was  the  propagation  of  Chris- 
tianity among  heathens  and  infidels  by  means  of  mis- 
sionaries. Accordingly  the  missions  of  the  Jesuits 
form  an  important  part  of  the  history  of  their  so- 
ciety. Francis  Xavier  led  the  way  into  India  and 
Japan ;  and  within  a  very  short  period,  the  agents 
of  this  formidable  body  spread  over  South  America 
and  penetrated  into  almost  every  part  of  Asia. 

It  is  historically  true,  that  many  of  the  agents  em- 
ployed from  century  to  century,  in  this  wide  diffu- 
sion of  the  gospel  were  men  whose  wisdom,  piety,  and 
zeal  would  have  adorned  the  apostolic  age  ;  but  it  is 
also  notoriously  true  that  its  principal  instmment- 
ality  consisted  of  worldly  policy  and  martial  power, 
the  drum  beats  of  warlike  nations  were  louder  than 
the  notes  of  the  message  of  love  and  peace;  and 
consequently  that  its  immediate  results  were  only 
territorial  aggrandizement,  and  a  nominal  submis- 
sion to  the  gospel.  "  Accordingly  as  many  of  these 
conquests  had  been  made  by  the  sword,  by  the 
sword  many  of  them  subsequently  were  lost.  Civil- 
ization itself,  at  one  period,  suffered  a  decline.   Ages 


26  CnKISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

of  darkness  rolled  over  the  cliurch  until  Christen- 
dom, so  far  fiom  being  in  a  capacity  to  convert  the 
world,  stood  itself  in  most  urgent  need  of  substan- 
tial conversion."  But  the  great  event  of  the  six- 
teenth century  was  that  "  glorious  change  of  which 
tlie  signs  and  means  had  long  been  gathering."  As 
Carlyle  says,  "The  Reformation  miglit  bring  what 
results  it  liked  when  it  came,  but  the  Reformation 
simply  could  not  help  coming."  The  age,  deceptive 
as  it  was  could  put  no  false  face  on  Martin  Luther 
the  "  prophet  idol-breaker  of  his  age ;  a  bringer-back 
of  men  to  reality;"  a  youth  nursed  up  in  mntry 
whirlwinds,  in  desolate  darkness  and  difficulty,  that 
he  might  step  forth  at  last  from  "  his  stormy  Scandi- 
navia, strong  as  a  true  man,  as  a  god :  a  Christian 
Odin — a  right  Thor  once  more,  with  his  Thunder 
liammer  to  smite  asunder  ugly  Jotuns  and  giant- 
monsters." 

The  direct  effect  of  the  Reformation  was  confined 
to  the  church  itself,  and  within  a  very  small  circle 
of  Christendom.  The  close  of  the  sixteenth  century 
witnessed  the  first  attempt  on  the  part  of  Protestant 
Christians  to  make  a  descent  on  heathenism.  Tlie 
distinguished  honor  of  making  it  belongs  to  the 
Swiss,  for  in  1556  fourteen  missionaries  were  sent  by 
the  church  of  Geneva  to  plant  the  Christian  faith  in 
the  newly-discovered  regions  of  South  America. 
The  seventeenth  century  was  a  time  of  mission  prep- 
aration and  promise.  In  1659,  during  the  Protector- 
ate of  Cromwell,  the  "  Society  for  the  Propagation  of 
the  Gospel  in  New  England  "  was  incorporated  by 


HISTORY   OF   CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS.  27 

Act  of  Parliament.  In  1698  the  "  Society  for  Pro- 
motion of  Christian  Knowledge "  was  instituted, 
whose  object  included  the  labors  of  missionaries. 
These  were  English  societies.  They  were,  indeed, 
small  beginnings,  but  they  were  nevertheless  the 
dawn  streaks  of  a  rising  sun.  Besides  these  feeble 
efforts  to  diffuse  the  gospel,  the  sermons  and  episto- 
lary correspondence  of  the  age  show  that  many  a 
Christian  heart  was  laboring  and  swelling  with  a 
desire  of  greater  things  than  these.  Still  the  century 
closed  witnessing  little  more  than  individual  and 
unsustained  endeavors.  Had  they  been  all  sud- 
denly arrested,  only  a  very  feeble  call  would  have 
been  made  for  their  resumption  ;  but  "  like  the  re- 
peated flights  of  the  dove  of  the  deluge,  they  served 
to  show  that  there  was  shut  up  within  the  ark  of  the 
church  a  principle  of  activity  impatient  to  be  free, 
and  which  promised,  when  opportunity  served  to 
traverse  the  globe."  The  eighteenth  century  began 
to  fulfill  the  promise  of  the  seventeenth,  and  has 
been  denominated  "the  age  of  missionary  associ- 
ations." In  1701  the  "  Society  for  the  Propagation 
of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts  "  was  chartered.  The 
society  .in  Scotland  for  "Propagating  Christian 
Knowledge,"  was  formed  at  Edinburgh  in  1709.  The 
Moravians  commenced  their  missions  to  Greenland 
in  1741,  and  at  a  time,  too,  when  their  entire  number 
did  not  exceed  six  hundred  persons,  and  the  greater 
part  of  these  mere  suffering  exiles ;  yet  so  noble  and 
extensive  were  the  exertions  which  they  made  for 
the  evangelization  of  the  heathen,  and  so  abundantly 


28  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

were  tlieir  unostentatious  labors  blessed,  tliat  within 
tlie  sliort  period  of  ten  years  tlieir  lieralds  had  pro- 
claimed salvation  in  Greenland ;  to  the  Indians  of 
North  America,  and  to  the  negroes  of  South  Caro- 
lina ;  they  had  gone  into  Lapland,  Tartary,  and 
Algiers;  and  preached  the  gospel  in  Guinea,  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope  and  Ceylon.  "In  the  year  1784, 
at  a  Baptist  Association  held  at  Nottingham,  Eng- 
land, it  was  detei-mined  that  one  hour  on  the  first 
Monday  evening  of  every  month  should  be  devoted 
to  solemn  and  special  intercession  for  the  revival  of 
genuine  religion,  and  for  the  extension  of  the  king- 
dom of  Christ  throughout  the  world."  This  is  said 
to  be  the  origin  of  "monthly  missionary  prayer 
meetings."  Wesleyan  Methodism  began  its  work 
in  the  West  Indies  in  1786 ;  the  "Baptist  Missionary 
Society "  of  England  was  organized  in  1792 ;  the 
"  London  Missionary  Society,"  on  the  principle  of 
embracing  all  denominations,  arose  in  1795;  the 
"Edinburg  Missionary  Society"  was  instituted  in 
1796 ;  and  in  1799  the  "  Chiu'ch  Missionary  Society  " 
was  organized  by  the  Church  of  England.  Mission- 
ary infomiation  was  regularly  circulated  in  periodi- 
cals specially  published  for  that  pui-pose.  Sermons 
were  addressed  to  large  and  interested  audiences, 
exclusively  on  the  obligations  of  Christians  to  send 
the  bread  and  the  water  of  life  to  the  starving  and 
the  perishing.  To  these  appeals  the  people  gener- 
ally responded  by  willing  contributions.  It  was  the 
signal, 

"On  the  mountain  tops  appearing," 


HISTORY   OF    CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS.  29 

that  the  charity  of  the  ancient  church,  was  reviving, 
and  that  erelong  the  feet  of  them  who  bring  good 
tidings  to  the  people  would  tread  the  waste  places 
of  the  earth. 

The  nineteenth  century  opened  with  the  promise 
of  great  things.  Almost  at  its  very  portals  the  cry 
went  up  for  general  association  in  missionary  enter- 
prise. The  union  of  Christians  for  this  great  object 
pressed  upon  the  consciences  of  God's  people,  in 
divers  ways  and  in  many  places.  The  presence  of 
this  sentiment  took  the  rank  of  a  new  power  in  the 
religious  world,  and  its  absence  was  felt  as  a  great 
general  want.  Never  since  apostolic  times  has  the 
interest  in  foreign  evangelization  been  so  all-pervad- 
ing and  strong  as  in  the  nineteenth  century.  There 
were  signs  in  the  heavens  at  its  beginning  which 
heralded  a  second  rising  of  "  Bethlehem's  Star,"  over 
a  myriad  bloodless  battle-fields  to  be.  The  birth- 
throes  of  a  new  "  dispensation  of  grace  "  were  felt 
on  every  hand.  Thomas  Campbell,  who  with  his 
son  Alexander,  was  destined  to  fill  a  large  space  in 
the  religious  history  of  the  century,  in  1809  issued 
the  celebrated  "Declaration  and  Address,"  in  which 
mth  prophetic  clearness  he  announced  the  great 
principles  which  should  govern  in  "Immanuel's 
Land ;  "  and  as  he  meditated  he  saw  in  his  vision, 
"  the  dark  clouds  going  and  the  clear  sky  coming." 

In  1810  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for 
Foreign  Missions  was  organized,  and  two  years  later 
received  its  charter  from  the  Commonwealth  of  Mas- 
sachusetts.   Its  organization  was  preceded  by  the 


80  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

now  famous  agreement  of  a  few  young  men,  students 
at  college,  "  to  effect  in  the  person  of  its  members  a 
mission  to  the  heathen."  This  was  the  first  foreign 
missionary  society  on  this  continent.  This  was  the 
"  handful  of  corn  among  the  mountains."  Dr.  Mark 
Hopkins,  a  man  wortli}^  himself  to  be  the  teacher  of 
the  race,  in  his  historical  discourse,  in  1860,  at  the 
fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  organization  of  the  society, 
in  referring  to  that  dauntless  eftbrt  in  the  face  of 
storms  and  lightning,  says:  "What  a  contrast  is 
here !  On  tlie  one  side  is  that  vast  continent,  the 
cradle  of  the  race  and  of  Christianity,  with  its  myr- 
iads of  people  now  seen  not  in  the  purple  light  of  the 
imagination  as  the  Orient  filled  with  palaces  and 
pageants;  nor  with  the  eye  of  traffic  as  the  land  of 
spices  and  of  gems  ;  but  as  the  abode  of  a  perverted 
Cliristianity,  of  intrenched  paganism,  of  darkness, 
and  cruelty,  and  degradation  ;  as  a  land  where  mis- 
sionaries would  be  murdered,  and  fortresses  could 
be  stormed  only  by  those  who  should  lead  a  forlorn 
hope.  On  the  other  side  are  five  young  men  from 
the  two  lower  classes  in  an  infant  college,  in  a  i)lace 
so  secluded  that  no  mail  from  any  one  direction 
reaches  it  oftener  than  once  a  week,  and  with  an 
ocean  and  a  continent  intervening.  They  are  seated 
by  a  hay- stack.  Dark  clouds  are  above  them  ;  but 
they  heed  not  these,  nor  the  quick  flash  of  the  light- 
ning, nor  the  thunder  echoing  among  the  mountains. 
They  are  speaking  of  the  "  moral  darkness  of  Asia  ; 
they  propose  to  send  the  gospel  thither ;  they  kneel 
together  in  prayer ;  and  as  tliey  pray  the  heavens 
grow  brighter,  and  the  dark  clouds  roll  away." 


HISTORY   or   CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS.  31 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  American  Board  after 
its  organization,  there  were  but  five  persons  present, 
and  at  its  second  but  seven.  Its  receipts  for  the 
first  year  were  but  a  thousand  dollars.  Now  its 
meetings  are  like  the  going  up  of  the  tribes  to  Jeru- 
salem ;  and  its  receipts  for  the  year  ending  August 
31, 1883,  were  $591,488.67.  Then  it  had  no  missions, 
and  it  was  not  known  that  any  heathen  country 
would  be  opened  to  them.  Now  it  has  twenty  mis- 
sions with  882  stations  and  out-stations  which  belt 
the  globe,  so  that  the  sun  does  not  set  upon  them, 
and  the  whole  world  is  open.  Its  converts  from  the 
beginning  number  over  ninety  thousand,  and  the 
whole  number  of  pupils  taught  by  teachers  sup- 
ported by  the  American  Board  are  35,625.  It  has 
collected  and  disbursed  nearly  fifteen  millions  of 
dollars  without  loss  from  defalcation,  or  suspicion 
of  dishonesty.  It  has  printed  more  than  two  thous- 
and millions  of  pages  in  forty  different  languages. 
It  has  reduced  eighteen  languages  to  writing,  thus 
forming  the  germs  of  a  new  literature.  It  has  raised 
a  nation  from  the  lowest  forms  of  heathenism  to  a 
Christian  civilization,  so  that  a  larger  portion  of  its 
people  can  read  than  in  New  England.  It  has  done 
more  to  extend  and  diffuse  in  this  land  a  knowledge 
of  difierent  countries  and  people  than  all  other  agen- 
cies, and  the  reaction  upon  the  churches  of  this  for- 
eign work  has  been  invaluable.  And  what  has 
already  been  done  is  not  to  be  estimated  by  the  re- 
sults already  realized.'  This  is  the  smallest  part. 
This  is  only  the  beginning.     "  Foundations  are  laid ; 


32  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

experience  is  gained;  materials  are  gathered;  the 
leaven  is  deposited  and  at  work  ;  fires  are  set." 

Coincident  with  these  splendid  achievements  is  the 
growth  and  work  of  the  "  Disciples  of  Christ."  In 
1809  they  had  no  members,  no  ministers,  and  no 
churches.  All  they  had  was  a  battle-cry  and  a  blaz- 
ing sword.  The  battle-cry  had  scarcely  escaped  the 
lips  of  those  who  became  their  Titan  leaders,  and 
the  sword  which  they  were  to  wield  so  vigorously 
had  not  been  wholly  drawn  from  its  scabbard.  Their 
battle-cry  was  the  "  union  of  all  God's  people,"  and 
their  sword  was  the  Word  of  God. 

Whatever  may  be  said  of  Martin  Luther,  on  whose 
four  hundredth  anniversary  birth-day  these  sentences 
are  being  written — and  much  can  be  said,  and  truth- 
ful things  can  be  said,  and  great  things  can  be  said 
of  the  sturdy  monk  who  "shook  the  world"  —  the 
futui'e  historian  of  the  church  will  record  the  fact 
that  to  the  Campbells,  father  and  son,  a  debt  of  ever- 
lasting gratitude  is  due  for  their  sublime  advocacy 
of  the  union  of  God's  people  upon  the  only  basis 
where  it  can  be  accomplished,  the  divine  Cluist  and 
his  eternal  word.  Since  1809  the  "  Disciples  "  have 
lived  a  double  life.  They  have  been  the  leaven  in 
the  meal,  and  have  permeated  and  impressed  all  the 
religious  thought  of  the  age,  Catholic  and  Protes- 
tant ;  and  they  have  also  grown  into  a  separate  re- 
ligious body  or  denomination  of  no  mean  size.  The 
last  United  States  census  gives  them  4,681  churches ; 
3,658  ministers  ;  and  567,488  members,  thus  ranking 
in  numbers  with  the  Presbyterians  and  only  out- 


HISTORY    OF   OlIRISTIAN   MISSIONS.  83 

ranked  by  the  Baptists,  Methodists,  and  Lutherans. 
Their  earliest  missionary  organization  was  effected 
in  1849,  and  chartered  soon  after  as  the  American 
Christian  Missionary  Society.  Since  that  time  that 
organization  and  its  associate  and  auxilliary  agen- 
cies, state  and  foreign,  have  collected  and  disbursed 
over  $1,500,000.  The  result  has  been  to  add  to  its 
roll  of  membership  not  less  than  one  hundred  thous- 
and names.  And  this  is  only  the  beginning ;  foun- 
dations have  been  laid ;  experience  has  been  gained ; 
materials  have  been  gathered ;  the  leaven  has  been 
deposited  and  at  work,  and  its  fires  have  been  set. 
Its  day  of  boasting  is  not  yet.  Unlike  the  aged 
warrior  whose  campaigns  are  ended  and  who  may 
justly  take  off  his  armor  and  count  up  his  victories, 
the  "  Disciples "  are  in  their  youth,  and  a  modest 
speech  and  demeanor  are  comely  graces  for  their 
adornment.  They  have  only  just  entered  the  broad 
world-field  of  Christian  endeavor,  and  unfurled  their 
banners  within  sight  of  the  temples  of  the  heathen 
gods. 

The  five  largest  foreign  missionary  societies  of  the 
United  States  were  organized  between  and  including 
the  years  1810  and  1831,  viz. :  The  American  Board 
of  Commissioners  of  Foreign  Missions  in  1810 ;  The 
American  Baptist  Missionary  Union  in  1814;  The 
American  Methodist  Episcopal  Missionary  Society 
in  1819 ;  The  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  So- 
ciety of  the  Protestant  E]3iscopal  Church  of  the 
United  States  in  1820 ;  and  the  Presbyterian  Foreign 
Missionary  Society  in  1831.     These  were  eventful 


84  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

periods  in  the  lives  of  the  Campbells  whose  names 
are  associated  so  securely  with  the  history  of  mis- 
sions and  other  church  work  among  the  "  Disciples 
of  Christ."  And  the  years  to  come  will  be  the  pre- 
cious years  which  they  only  beheld  in  vision,  if  those 
who  caU  them  "brethien"  listen  to  the  cry  that  is 
wafted  on  every  wind  that  blows,  and  let  it  make 
them  deaf  to  the  taunts  and  opposition  of  the  adver- 
sary, the  cry  of  the  man  of  Macedonia,  "Come  over 
and  help  us."  It  is  time  for  God's  church  to  "  get 
up  to  the  high  mountain"  and  behold  the  land  of 
promise  stretching  away  in  brightness  and  beauty 
into  the  boundless  future,  where  the  groans  of  cre- 
ation are  silenced  and  the  discords  of  the  world's 
wide  music  melt  into  the  harmonies  of  everlasting 
peace. 

THE    BENEFITS   OF    CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

The  benefits  of  Christian  missions  are  temporal 
and  spiritual,  direct  and  reflex.  In  his  "  Christian 
Missions  "  Prof.  Julius  H.  Seelye  says :  "  The  work 
of  missions  is  worth  to  the  church  not  only  all  that 
it  has  cost  but  infinitely  more.  And  in  saying  this 
I  do  not  forget  what  it  has  cost.  I  remember  the 
sainted  ones,  of  whom  the  world  was  not  worthy, 
whose  lives  have  been  consumed  in  this  sacred  cause. 
I  remember  their  sacrifices,  the  burdens  and  toils  to 
which  they  have  submitted,  constrained  by  their 
love  of  Christ  and  their  zeal  for  His  kingdom. 
But  when  I  think  of  the  energy  and  patience  and 
faith,  the  self-forgetfulness  and  self-devotion  which 


THE   BENEFITS   OF   CHKISTIAN   MISSIONS.  35 

tile  rlmrcli  has  shown  in  her  niissionaiy  work,  pre- 
cious as  is  the  oiiering,  I  cannot  but  feel  that  the 
church  is  inexpressibly  richer  for  the  grace  which 
has  permitted  her  to  render  it.  How  her  faith  has 
been  strengthened  in  the  process !  How  her  love  for 
Christ,  and  for  souls  whom  Christ  has  loved  has 
thereby  deepened  and  grown  more  absorbing !  How 
Christian  hearts  have  thus  been  knit  together,  re- 
vealing as  in  no  other  way  the  oneness  of  the  mem- 
bers of  Christ's  body  with  each  other  and  with  their 
everlasting  Head !  What  new  views  of  the  glory  of 
Christ  and  the  all-sufficiency  of  His  atonement,  and 
the  power  of  His  renewing  grace,  have  been  beheld 
by  the  church  and  disclosed  to  the  world !  What 
an  irrefutable  answer  to  all  infidelity,  what  a  trium- 
phant affirmation  of  her  divine  origin  and  claims, 
does  the  church  possess  in  these  annals  of  the 
patience  and  the  faith  of  the  saints !  '  He  that  goeth 
forth  and  weepeth,  bearing  precious  seed,  shall 
doubtless  come  again  with  rejoicing,  bringing  his 
sheaves  Avith  him.'  The  church  is  richer,  incalcu- 
lably richer,  by  aU  his  sacrifices.  The  true  economy 
of  Christian  labor  is  its  widest  diffusion." 

The  missionary  spirit  is  the  normal  development 
of  the  church  life,  and  as  it  grows  the  church  grows 
in  purity  and  power  and  all  Christian  efficiency. 

Where  missions  do  not  result  immediately  in  ad- 
ditions to  the  church  membership,  and  where  even 
the  preached  gospel  has  produced  very  slender 
spiritual  results,  the  inferior  benefits  which  it  has 
scattered  have  rendered  its  progress  through  the 


36  CHRISTIAISr    MISSIONS. 

nations  as  traceable  as  the  ovei-flowing  of  the  Nile 
is  hy  the  rich  deposits  and  consequent  fertility  which 
it  leaves  behind.  This  is  a  well  known  subject  of 
devout  exultation  in  many  of  the  inspired  epistles. 
"  The  Apologies  of  the  Fathers  prove  it ;  and  the  rec- 
ords of  profane  history,  unintentionally,  but  abun- 
dantly confirm  it." 

Every  city  which  the  gospel  visited  in  the  earliest 
days  of  the  church,  and  every  city  to  which  its  mes- 
sage is  now  faithfully  carried  are  proof  of  its  cor- 
rective influence.  It  j)roduced  charity  even  in  Judea, 
humility  at  Athens,  chastity  at  Corinth,  and  human- 
ity at  Rome — cleansing  her  imperial  amphitheatre  of 
human  blood  and  evincing  that  her  boasted  civiliza- 
tion had  been  only  a  splendid  barbarism.  Dr.  John 
Harris  in  his  summary  of  the  "  temporal  benefits  of 
Christian  missions,"  eloquently  says :  "  Virtue  went 
out  of  the  gospel  in  every  age  and  wherever  it  came. 
The  Roman  Empire  was  rushing  to  ruin ;  the  gospel 
arrested  its  descent  and  broke  its  fall.  Nearly  all 
the  nations  of  Europe  sat  at  their  feasts  of  human 
flesh  or  immolated  human  victims  to  their  gods  ;  the 
gospel  called  them  from  the  horrid  repast  and  ex- 
tinguished their  unholy  fires.  The  northern  invas- 
ion poured  a  new  world  of  barbarism  over  Christian 
lands ;  the  spirit  of  Christianity  brooded  over  the 
chaotic  mass  and  gradually  gave  to  it  the  forms  of 
civilized  life.  Wliere  it  could  not  sheathe  the  sword 
of  war,  it  at  least  humanized  the  dreadful  art.  It 
found  the  servant  a  slave  and  broke  his  chains.  It 
found  the  poor  —  the  mass  of  mankind  —  trampled 


TlIE  BENEFITS   OE   CHRISTIAN   MISSIOISTS,  37 

under  foot,  and  it  tauglit  tliem  to  stand  erect,  by  ad- 
dressing whatever  is  divine  in  their  degraded  nature. 
It  found  woman  —  one-half  of  the  species — in  the 
dust,  and  it  extended  its  protecting  arm  to  her  weak- 
ness, and  raised  and  placed  her  hy  the  side  of  man. 
Sickly  infancy  and  infirm  old  age  were  cast  out  to 
perish ;  it  passed  by  and  bade  them  live,  preparing 
for  each  a  home,  and  becoming  the  tender  nurse  of 
both.  Yes,  Christianity  found  the  heathen  world 
without  a  single  house  of  mercy.  Search  the  Byzan- 
tine Chronicles  and  the  pages  of  Publius  Victor,  and, 
though  the  one  describes  all  the  public  edifices  of 
Constantinople,  and  the  other  of  ancient  Rome,  not 
a  word  is  to  be  found  in  either  of  a  charitable 
institution.  Search  the  ancient  marbles  of  their 
museums ;  descend  and  ransack  the  graves  of  Her- 
culaneum  and  Pompeii;  and  question  the  many 
travelers  who  have  visited  the  ruined  cities  of  Greece 
and  Rome,  and  see,  if  amidst  all  the  splendid  re- 
mains of  statues  and  amphitheatres,  baths  and 
granaries,  temples,  aqueducts  and  palaces,  mauso- 
leums, columns  and  triumphal  arches,  a  single  frag- 
ment or  inscription  can  be  found,  '  telling  us  that 
it  belonged  to  a  refuge  for  human  want,  or  for  the 
alleviation  of  human  misery.'  The  first  voluntary 
and  public  collection  ever  known  to  have  been  made 
in  the  heathen  world  for  a  charitable  object,  was 
made  by  the  churches  of  Macedonia  for  the  poor 
saints  in  Jerusalem.  The  first  individual  known  to 
have  built  a  hospital  for  the  poor  was  a  Christian 
widow.     Search  the  lexicons  for  intei^preting  the  an- 


38  OHEISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

cient  Greek  authors,  and  you  will  not  find  even  the 
names  which  divine  Christianity  wanted,  by  which 
to  designate  her  houses  of  charity ;  — she  had  to  in- 
vent them.  Language  had  never  been  called  on  to 
embody  such  conceiDtions  of  mercy.  All  the  asylums 
of  the  earth  belf)ng  to  her." 

And  what'  Christianity  did  then  it  is  doing  and  will 
do  now.  It  is  counted  a  great  distinction  by  a  nation 
to  be  known  among  the  nations  ;  and  there  are  nations 
in  the  light  to-day  which  are  indebted  to  Christian 
missions  for  their  discovery,  for  they  were  called  from 
their  obscurity  by  the  servants  of  Him  who  came 
"  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which  was  lost."  Men  re- 
nounce their  wandering  habits  and  adopt  a  settled 
abode  so  that  their  comfort  is  increased  and  their 
character  is  elevated  by  the  influence  of  gospel  mis- 
sions. The  useful  arts  and  trades  of  civilized  life  are 
found  accompanying  the  progress  of  the  gospel. 
Christian  missions  have  given  written  languages  to 
the  people  civilized  and  enlightened  by  their  influ- 
ence, thus  laying  the  foundation  for  all  the  literature 
which  the  millions  of  these  various  nations  may  ever 
possess. 

And  education  follows  Christianization.  Histor- 
ically, education  has  always  followed  the  preaching 
of  the  gospel  and  not  preceded  it.  The  church,  in 
its  large  sense,  has  always  been  the  mother  of  learn- 
ing. The  inspiration  of  the  new  life  once  enkindled 
in  the  soul,  quickens  the  whole  man  to  a  new  devel- 
opment. Education  as  sucli  has  no  purifying  power; 
but  purify  the  heart  l\y  faith  in  Christ,  and  then  edu- 


THE   BENEFITS   OF   CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS.  39 

cation  may  rise  on  the  life  like  the  pyramids  without 
danger.  The  institution  of  laws  follows  education. 
By  teaching  them  to  read,  a  people  obtain  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  customs  and  advantages  of  law  in  civilized 
lands ;  by  enlightening  their  minds,  such  knowledge 
shows  them  the  evils  which  they  have  suffered  from 
the  want  of  law ;  by  quickening  their  moral  nature 
it  awakens  a  craving  after  a  rule  to  walk  by ;  and  by 
thus  humanizing  them,  it  prepares  them  to  conform 
to  the  law  enacted. 

One  of  the  most  valuable  of  the  temporal  benefits 
arising  from  Christian  missions  is  the  rescuing  of 
mental  character  from  undeserved  ignominy  and  re- 
storing men  to  the  rank  of  common  humanit3\  How 
mighty  must  be  that  influence  which  can  thus  disin- 
ter, as  it  were,  the  mental  faculties,  and  quicken  into 
quivering  sensibility  what  appeared  to  be  ''  a  mass 
of  unconscious  brutality."  How  beneficent  must 
that  agency  be  which  "  takes  whole  tribes  and  na- 
tions whom  a  worldly  philosophy  had  struck  from 
the  family  of  man,  and  exalts  them,  through  grace, 
into  the  family  of  God." 

Christian  missions  have  afforded  protection  to  the 
oppressed,  and  procured  liberty  for  the  enslaved; 
they  have  elevated  the  moral  character  and  social 
rank  of  woman,  for  to  her,  often  the  missionary  has 
been  her  shield,  and  his  coming  like  that  of  an 
angel ;  and  above  all,  they  make  the  islands  of  the 
sea,  and  the  kingdoms  of  men,  as  glorious  as  "  Im- 
manuel's  Land  "  when  the  gospel  which  the  mission 
ary  preaches  is  received  into  the  heart  of  their  peo- 


40  OIIRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

pie  and  practiced  in  their  lives.  Some  one  has  said : 
"  K  we  knew  of  a  region  where  the  sun  of  knowledge 
set  long  ages  ago ;  where  the  absence  of  truth  has 
not  merely  left  the  mind  vacant,  but  in  actual  pos- 
session of  destructive  errors  like  a  deserted  mansion 
converted  into  a  den  for  robbers  and  mui'derers; 
and  where  truth  is  not  only  lost  to  man,  and  fatal 
error  is  in  full  possession,  but  where  man  is  actually 
lost  to  the  truth — lost  to  the  power  of  even  intellectu- 
ally apprehending  it  when  first  presented  to  his 
mind ;  and  if  there  existed  a  process  by  which  that 
darkness  could  be  pierced,  those  errors  exploded, 
and  this  power  restored,  would  not  he  be  a  great  bene- 
factor who  should  attempt  and  conduct  it  to  a  suc- 
cessful issue  ?  TTiat  region  is  Jieathenism  ;  that  pro- 
cess is  Christian  education  ;  and  that  benefactor  is 
the  Christian  Missionary P 

While  the  direct  advantages  of  Christian  Missions 
are  many  and  positive,  the  reflex  benefits  are  no  less 
apparent  and  powerful. 

One  of  the  laws  of  the  divine  administration  is 
that,  "He  that  watereth  shall  himself  also  be 
watered."  This  law  keeps  the  streams  of  bene- 
ficence like  the  waters  of  the  ocean,  in  perpetual  cir- 
culation, so  they  are  sure,  sooner  or  later,  to  revisit 
their  source.  Christian  Missions,  in  modem  times 
especially,  have  returned  to  the  people  who  have 
sustained  them  in  temporal  advantages  alone  more 
than  they  have  cost.  If  any  one  is  skeptical  on  this 
point  let  him  read  Dr.  Thomas  Laurie's  great  work  on 
the  "  Contributions  of  our  Foreign  Missions  to  sci- 


THE   BENEFITS   OF   CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS.  41 

ence  and  human  well  being "  and  learn  what  mis- 
sions have  done  for  the  great  fields  of  human  thought 
and  investigation;  in  geography,  geology,  meteor- 
ology, natural  science,  archaeology,  the  reading  of 
curious  and  ancient  inscriptions  on  rocks,  and  monu- 
ments, and  pyramids;  in  philology,  ethnography, 
general  and  periodical  literature  and  music ;  in  Bible 
translations,  religious  beliefs,  contributions  to  his- 
tory, education,  medical  science,  commerce,  the  arts, 
national  regeneration  and  world-wide  philanthropy. 
But  these  are  the  incidental  results  of  missions ;  and 
great  as  they  are,  they  do  not  constitute  their  chief 
glory ;  that  lies  in  bringing  back  darkened  minds  and 
lost  souls  to  a  knowledge  of  their  Divine  Redeemer ; 
and  the  fullness  of  that  glory  can  be  seen  only  in 
the  light  that  is  round  about  the  throne.  And  while 
the  islands  are  clapping  their  hands,  and  the  seas  are 
thundering  their  jubilee  anthems,  and 

"  Nations  are  owning  his  sway" 

through  the  missions  which  the  church  sends  forth, 
the  church  is  receiving  back  again  whole  cargoes  of 
blessings  of  the  glory  and  value  of  which  she  had 
never  dreamed  since  the  day  her  "  first  love  "  went 
into  the  freezing  shadows  of  skepticism  and  apos- 
tacy. 

"  Piety  at  home  "  has  become  more  manifest  and 
happiness  has  increased  as  the  news  has  come  back 
from  distant  lands,  that  the  Savior's  Kingdom  has 
been  enlarged  in  the  "  ends  of  the  earth ; "  multi- 
tudes have  been  "  provoked  to  love  and  good  works ; " 


42  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

a  profonnder  realization  of  the  unity  of  God's  peo- 
ple and  God's  kingdom  is  felt ;  the  "  divine  hunger 
for  the  horizon  "  of  God's  empire  is  keener ;  and  from 
many  a  Pisgah's  top  the  eye  of  faith  watches  for  the 
coming  of  Him  on  whose  thigh  and  vesture  is  written 
"  King  of  Kings  and  Lord  of  Lords." 

The  expanding  influence  of  the  spirit  of  Christ  is 
seen  in  that  sympathetic  union  of  all  who  are  con- 
scious of  its  presence ;  men  become  willing  to  conse- 
crate themselves  and  their  property  to  the  "  bound- 
less benevolence  of  Christ;"  the  spirit  of  prayer 
mOves  hearts  to  pray  where  mere  "  lip  service  "  was 
once  rendered ;  noble  specimens  of  Christian  char- 
acter are  rising  up  on  every  hand  and  with  pleading 
lips  are  saying,  "  Here  am  I,  send  me ; "  the  convic- 
tion is  deepening  that  it  is  the  duty  of  all  members 
of  the  church  to  engage  in  missionary  enterprise, 
and  that  He  who  has  laid  all  their  powers  under 
tribute  for  his  service  is  "walking  in  the  midst"  of 
them,  and  repeating  with  the  old-time  power  and 
solemnity  "  Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach  the 
gospel  to  every  creature,"  while  the  guilt  of  centuries 
of  disobedience  accumulated  at  their  door,  stirs  the 
conscience  to  its  depths;  infidelity  with  its  giant 
arms  of  darkness  trembles  in  the  presence  of  the 
truth,  but  dare  not  strike ;  Bible  study  is  promoted, 
and  the  evidences  of  Christianity  are  increased  in 
their  number  and  augmented  in  power.  The  divinity 
of  the  gospel  and  its  power  to  save  are  realized  as 
never  before  since  the  apostolic  age.  The  direct 
tendency  of  Christian  missions  is  to  bring  the  church 


OBJECTIONS   TO   CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS.  43 

on  its  knees  before  God  in  unfeigned  gratitude  for 
the  past,  and  entire  dependence  for  the  future,  pre- 
pared to  inscribe  on  the  sublime  result  of  the  whole, 
"•  To  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,"  and  to 
furnish  a  grand  illustration  of  that  sublime  principle 
of  a  kingdom  founded  in  love,  "It  is  more  blessed 
to  give  than  to  receive." 

OBJECTIONS   TO   CHKISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

The  preaching  of  the  gospel  is  through  human 
agency ;  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  is  the  preach- 
ing of  Grod's  word ;  and  thus  there  is  in  it  a  divine 
element  and  power  even  though  uttered  by  human 
lips.  In  that  fellowship  of  the  saints  which  God's 
Kingdom  is  to  actualize  among  men,  human  hearts 
are  knit  together  in  love  and  sympathy  by  being  co- 
workers together  with  him.  He  associates  their 
agency  with  his  own :  "  Go  ye  into  all  the  world 
and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creatuie,  and  lo,  I 
am  with  you  alway  to  the  end  of  the  world."  The 
association  of  this  commission  with  this  promise 
"  teaches  us  what  the  history  of  the  church  has  con- 
tinually illustrated,  that  Christ's  presence  in  and 
vsdth  His  disciples  accompanies  their  preaching  of 
His  gospel.  He  is  with  them  and  in  them  as  a  living- 
inspiration  in  their  obedience  to  His  command." 

The  commands  of  Christ  are  more  than  com- 
mands ;  they  are  blessed  benedictions,  and  obedience 
to  them  is  the  enlargement  of  our  capacity,  and 
the  opening  of  deeper  channels  through  which  his 


44  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

blessings  can  flow  upon  us,  and  tlierefore  they  are 
enjoined.  The  failui-e  of  the  chui'ch  in  many  parts 
of  the  Christian  world  to  engage  in  the  work  of 
evangelizing  the  nations  has  resulted  in  spiritual 
apathy  and  loss  of  power.  Indifference  within  the 
church  to  the  conversion  of  the  world  begets  in- 
fidelity outside,  and  overwhelms  the  church  with  re- 
proaches which  she  has  no  means  to  repel.  The 
church  cannot  stand  still  as  long  as  there  is  any 
progress  for  her  to  make.  She  may  never  stay  at 
home  until  her  home  embraces  the  world. 

And  yet  there  are  those  who  claim  membership  in 
Chrisfs  church,  and  who  profess  to  have  great  rever- 
ence for  His  word,  who  are  opposed  to  missions,  and 
especially  to  foreign  missions.  When  reminded  that 
Christ  gave  His  commandment  to  "  Go  into  all  the 
world"  to  His  disciples,  they  icily  suggest  that  there 
is  a  mistake ;  that  Christ  gave  His  world-wide  com- 
mandment to  His  apostles,  not  to  His  disciples ;  as  if 
His  apostles  were  not  His  disciples  as  well ;  and  as  if 
generation  after  generation  of  men  would  not  need 
salvation  preached  to  them  as  much  as  that  genera- 
tion did  which  had  the  illustrious  privilege  of  being 
taught  in  person  by  the  Son  of  Man  and  His  first 
disciples.  To  give  a  little  color  to  their  opposition 
they  strive  to  make  a  distinction  between  "  niission- 
ary  work"  and  "missionary  society  work."  But 
when  the  practical  results  of  their  theory  are  looked 
after  it  is  found  that  they  have  made  a  "  distinction 
without  a  difierence,"  for  they  have  neither  worked 
through  a  society  or  without  one,  in  foreign  lands. 


ORTECTIONS   TO   CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS.  45 

They  have  done  nothing  except  to  obsti'uct  the  way 
with  their  objections  which  take  "  fantastic  shapes  " 
when  viewed  in  the  light  of  that  gospel  which  they 
profess,  and  the  great  commandment  which  was 
given  amidst  the  solemnities  of  Olivet.  There  is 
clear  authority  in  the  Scriptures  for  presenting  the 
dark  side  of  the  picture  as  well  as  the  bright,  and 
therefore,  some  of  the  representative  objections  will 
receive  brief  attention. 

First:  The  heathen  are  comparatively  safe 
already ;  their  ignorance  of  the  gospel  is  involun- 
tary; they  are  a  law  unto  themselves ;  they  will  not 
be  judged  by  the  high  requirements  of  the  Bible, 
but  by  the  light  of  JN'ature ;  and  their  eternal  destiny, 
therefore,  is  far  from  hopeless,  and  to  pronounce  it 
otherwise  is  uncharitable  and  cruel. 

To  this  representation  it  may  be  replied:  The 
question  is  not  whether  the  heathen  can  be  saved 
without  the  gospel ;  the  question  is,  can  Christians 
be  saved  who  disobey  the  command  which  bids  them 
preach  the  gospel  to  them  ?  It  is  a  false  philanthropy 
which  indolently  and  charitably  {()  abandons  the 
everlasting  happiness  of  millions  to  a  mere  perad- 
venture.  The  only  scriptural  and  consistent  charity 
is  that  which  while  it  may  fear  the  worst,  aims  at 
the  best,  and  while  it  dreads  the  destruction  of  the 
heathen,  labors  to  the  utmost  for  their  saltation. 
In  saving  others  we  save  ourselves. 

Second :  Missionary  entei-prises  are  impracticable. 
Heathenism  is  a  system  too  old  to  be  altered,  too 
deep  seated  to  be  subverted,  and  to  vast  to  be 
materially  reduced. 


46  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

This  is  not  an  ancient  objection ;  it  has  been  made, 
in  substance,  in  this  "year  of  our  Lord."  Against 
this  objection,  however,  an  Alpine  avalanche  of  suc- 
cess is  loosened. 

"  From  Greenland's  icy  mountains 
From  India's  coral  strand  ; 
W  here  Afric's  sunny  fountains 
E'jll  down  their  golden  sands  ;  " 

from  China  whose  hoary  walls  open  their  age-closed 
gates  and  from  the  "  sunrise  kingdom  "  of  Japan ; 
from  the  Sandwich  Islands;  from  New  Zealand; 
from  the  "ends  of  the  earth"  there  come  the  voices 
of  great  multitudes  protesting  against  its  truth,  and 
affirming  with  an  emphasis  that  the  roar  of  the 
stormiest  seas  cannot  drown,  that  it  is  practicable 
and  profitable  to  say  among  the  heathen,  "  Thy  God 
reigneth." 

Third:  Philosophy  and  learning  must  precede 
the  proclamation  of  the  gospel.  Education  must  go 
before  Christianity.  Schools  must  be  built  first  and 
then  churches.  But  the  Lord  reverses  that  order.  The 
"grace  of  God  which  brings  salvation"  comes  first 
and  then  the  "growth  in  grace"  and  in  intellectual 
possessions.  The  command  is,  preach  the  gospel  in 
"  all  the  world  and  to  every  creature."  The  apostolic 
method  was  that  of  direct  evangelization.  The 
apostles  did  not  plant  schools  and  then  plant 
churches ;  they  preached  the  gospel  and  planted 
churches,  and  so  far  as  we  can  learn  "  they  left  all 
questions  of  education  to  adjust  themselves  as  the 


OBJIX'TIONS    TO   CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS.  47 

new  spirit  wliich  followed  their  labors  would  direct." 
Tlie  more  carefully  Paul's  method  of  preaching  the 
gospel  to  the  heathen  is  examined  the  more  we  shall 
see  how  profoundly  it  was  adapted  not  only  to  the 
wants  of  his  time  but  to  all  time.  "  Paul  did  not 
discard  education,  nor  consider  the  culture  or  the 
speculations  of  the  intellect  of  no  concern ;  but  he 
took  up  these  afterw^ards.  He  began  with  the 
j)reaching  of  Christ;  and  until  the  heathen  could 
know  him,  he  determined  not  to  know  anything 
among  them  save  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified ; 
that  their  faith  might  not  stand  in  the  wisdom  of 
men  but  in  the  power  of  God.  But  when  this  was 
accomplished,  he  was  ready  for  all  such  speculations 
as  the  great  truths  he  was  proclaiming  might  re- 
quire." Hence  we  hear  him  say:  "Howbeit  we 
speak  wisdom  among  them  that  are  perfect,  which 
none  of  the  princes  of  this  world  knew."  Where 
Christianity  has  gained  a  footing  civilization  has 
invariably  followed  ;  and  "  the  first  house  which  the 
barbarian  builds  is  commonly  a  house  of  God." 

Fourth:  We  have  heathen  enough  at  home; 
charity  begins  at  home;  and  we  must  evangelize 
home  first.  These  are  slurs,  which  by  wearing  the 
appearance  of  a  pious  patriotism  often  beguile  the 
sympathies  of  the  unreflecting,  and  tend  to  foster  a 
spirit  of  indolence  in  the  cause  of  God,  whose  ex- 
posure should  be  its  utter  condemnation. 

But  these  plausible  statements  are  met  with  tre- 
mendous power  by  Dr.  John  Harris,  when  he  says  : 
"We  have  heathen  enough  of  our  own  at  home,  you 


48  .  CHRISTIAIS"   missio:n's. 

say,  by  wliich  we  are  to  suppose  that  yon  intend 
persons  who  are  very  ignorant  and  very  vicious. 
But  if  such  persons  are  existing  around  you  in  any 
con sideralble  number,  does  nottlie  fact  implicate  you 
in  the  tremendous  guilt  of  having  neglected  them? 
And  will  you  plead  that  which  results  from  your  own 
sinful  omission  of  duty  towards  thoye  thousands,  as 
an  excuse  for  neglecting  a  similar  duty  towards  as 
many  millions?  But  in  extenuation  of  your  con- 
duct towards  your  irreligious  neighbors,  you  prob- 
ably plead  that  they  have  been  far  from  entirely 
neglected ;  that  the  knowledge  and  means  of  religion 
have  been  within  their  reach  from  infancy.  From 
which  we  learn,  on  your  own  admission,  that  they 
are  ignorant,  not  by  necessity,  but  by  choice — self- 
constituted  heathen  men,  who  deliberately  prefer 
practical  atheism  to  Christianity.  And  we  ask :  Is 
the  world  to  be  kept  in  ignorance,  are  the  millions 
abroad  to  be  left  to  perish  because  there  are  those 
at  home  who  '  hate  instruction '  and  '  love  darkness 
rather  than  light  ? '  Such  a  sentiment  you  profess 
to  repudiate,  but  still  you  say,  '  Charity  begins  at 
home,'  and  practically  you  do  nothing  to  send  her 
away  from  home  to  the  '  regions  beyond.'  " 

Our  duties,  temporal  and  spiritual,  are  so  related 
that  he  who  neglects  the  least  at  the  expense  of  the 
greatest,  or  the  greatest  at  the  ex^^ense  of  the  least, 
inflicts  injury  upon  them  both.  The  cause  of  human 
welfare  is  one  and  indivisible,  and  therefore,  the 
interests  of  religion  at  home  can  never  be  opposed 
to  the  interests  of  religion  abroad. 


OBJECTIONS   TO   CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS.  49 

Fifth:  Cliristians  are  not  sufficiently  united  to 
attempt  the  conversion  of  the  world.  As  Christ 
prayed  for  the  visible  union  of  His  followers  no  mis- 
sionary enterprises  should  be  undertaken  until  that 
union  has  been  effected.  But  let  it  be  observed 
that  while  the  union  of  God's  people  is  greatly  to  be 
desired,  and  every  effort  possible  should  be  made  to 
bring  it  about,  yet  after  all,  the  preaching  of  the 
gospel  is  not  made  to  depend  on  the  union  of  the 
professed  followers  of  Christ,  but  on  the  explicit 
and  all-autlioritative  command  of  Ohrist.  And 
the  history  of  the  church  actually  proves  that  in  all 
the  ages  of  the  church,  when  the  disciples  have  been 
most  active  in  preaching  the  gospel,  and  most  sen- 
sitive in  their  obedience  to  the  command  of  their 
Master,  their  union  has  been  most  apparent  and 
complete.  So  long  as  there  is  a  common  object 
toward  which  all  are  laboring,  to  that  extent  will  the 
essentials  of  unity  be  observed  to  reach  it.  Each 
will  have  a  zeal  for  the  glory  of  G-od  and  an  admir- 
ation for  the  other's  piety ;  and  "  the  only  contention 
between  them  will  be  that  of  the  vine  with  the  olive, 
which  shall  bear  the  best  and  most  abundant  fruit." 

Sixth :  "  The  time  is  not  come,  the  time  that  the 
Lord's  house  should  be  built ; "  when  that  time 
arrives  the  Almighty  will  easily  find  means  to  ac- 
complish the  conversion  of  the  world,  and  till  then 
all  our  efforts  are  premature  and  presumptuous,  and 
must  prove  abortive. 

This  objection  is  both  old  and  new.  It  is  as  old 
as  William  Carey  and  as  new  as  the  latest  advocacy 


r)0  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

of  the  millenarian  theory,  that  "  the  world's  conver- 
sion must  be  wholly  divine."  When  William  Carey, 
the  pioneer  of  modern  missions  in  England,  pro- 
posed in  a  ministers'  meeting  to  attempt  the  spread 
of  the  gospel  among  heathen  nations,  the  venerable 
Dr.  Ryland  said  with  tremendous  emi)hasis,  "  Young 
man  sit '  down ;  when  God  pleases  to  convert  the 
heathen  he  will  do  it  without  your  aid  or  mine."  In 
1796  foreign  missions  were  denounced  before  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland  as 
"highly  dangerous  to  the  good  order  of  society." 
K  it  is  really  "disrespectful  to  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,"  and  a  forestalling  of  the  appointments  of 
heaven  to  assail  the  idolatries  of  the  heathen  world, 
and  torment  the  demons  before  their  time ;  then  it 
would  seem  as  if  counter-missionaries  ought  to  be 
employed  to  protect  those  abominations,  and  pro- 
long their  reign  for  a  season  longer.  But  over 
against  this  do-nothing  idea,  lies  the  great  com- 
mandment, the  contemporary  of  every  age,  "  Go  ye 
into  all  the  world  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every 
creature."  Nearly  sixty  worlds  have  come  and  gone 
since  that  imperative  command  was  first  uttered ; 
yea,  sixty  generations  of  men  have  passed  from  the 
earth  or  are  "  passing  now,"  since  Jesus  said  to  His 
first  disciples,  "  The  time  is  now  come,  "  "  Go  ;  "  and 
never  since  then  has  the  Lord  of  the  church  ceased 
to  say  to  His  disciples  "  Go."  There  were  fields  ripe 
for  the  harvest  then,  there  are  fields  ripe  for  tlie 
harvest  now;  and  all  along  the  flowing  centuries 
since  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  Man  the  harvest  fields 
have  been  ready  for  the  reaper's  sickle. 


OBJECTIONS   TO   CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS.  51 

The  vision  of  the  man  of  Macedonia  has  been  seen 
by  other  men  than  Paul,  and  heathen  voices  are  lifted 
up  in  earnest  supplication  for  help.  All  Christian 
hearts  hear  and  tremble  under  this  cry  which  comes, 

Through  midnight  gloom  from  Macedon ; 

The  cry  of  myriads  as  of  one, 

The  voiceful  silence  of  despair, 

Is  eloquent  in  awful  prayer— 

The  soul's  exceeding  bitter  cry,. 

"  Come  o'er  and  help  us,  or  we  die  !  " 

How  mournfully  it  echoes  on, 

For  half  the  world  is  Macedon  1 

These  brethren  to  their  brethren  call, 

And  by  the  love  that  loved  us  all. 

And  by  the  whole  world's  life,  they  cry, 

"  O  ye  that  live,  behold  !  we  die." 

Seventh:  Besides  the  foregoing,  which  have  at 
least  the  semblance  of  strength,  there  is  a  group  of 
objections  which  to  the  Christian  heart  need  only  to 
be  named  to  be  abhorred.  "We  have  so  little  religion 
at  home  that  we  cannot  afford  to  send  any  abroad ;" 
"missionary  societies  are  disrespectful  to  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ ;"  "  the  expense  is  great,  and  we  cannot 
afford  it ; "  "  you  might  as  well  attempt  to  empty  the 
Atlantic  ocean  with  a  tin  dipper ; "  "  a  group  of  half  a 
dozen  foreign  missionaries  in  China  will  be  as  a 
gi-ain  of  sand  upon  the  shore  of  the  vast  Pacific 
ocean ; "  "  it  is  shocking  to  take  God's  work  out  of 
His  hands ; "  "  Executive  Committees  or  Boards  of 
Managers  may  install  themselves  as  lords  of  God's 
heritage." 

These  objections  and  others  like  them  have  been 
defended  with  a  pertinacity  and  pugnacity  which 


52  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

zeal  for  the  truth  can  seldom  command.  If  those 
who  entertain  them  set  a  high  value  on  religious  dis- 
tinctness from  the  world,  they  are  certainly  unfortu  ■ 
nate  in  having  adopted  objections  to  the  missionary 
cause  which,  as  far  as  they  go,  completely  identify 
them  with  the  world.  If  indolence,  self-indulgence, 
and  unhelief  could  speak  on  the  subject,  they  would 
repeat  the  very  same  objections  in  the  very  same 
words.  All  these  objections  ought  to  rebuke  those 
who  make  them  until  their  cheeks  crimson  with 
shame.  Unless  the  great  command  of  Christ  to 
preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature  has  been  modi- 
fied or  repealed,  it  comes  down  with  annihilating 
weight  on  all  objections,  and  challenges  every  dis- 
ciple as  one  included  in  the  principle  which  it  con- 
tains, to  witTistand  it  at  Ms  peril.  All  who  possess 
the  gospel  are  bound  to  co-operate  to  the  extent  of 
their  ability  in  giving  it  to  the  world.  And  it  were 
better  a  thousand  times,  to  be  the  devoted  mission- 
aries and  brave  the  breath  of  pestilence  and  the 
sword  of  persecution ;  endure  fierce  tropical  suns, 
or  freezing  blasts  from  plains  of  snow ;  or  premature 
death  far  from  kindred  and  home,  than  to  be  of  those 
who  live  every  day  in  open  defiance  of  the  mandate 
of  the  Lord,  and  who  would  damp  all  missionary 
effort  and  rob  it  of  its  victories  and  its  crowns. 

DEVOTEDNESS   TO    OHEISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

There  are  many  and  great  reasons  why  the  church 
should  be  inspired  with  the  high  missionary  zeal  to 
which  she  is   summoned.    The  church  cannot  rise 


DEVOTEDNESS   TO   CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS.  53 

and  sliine,  her  light  having  come,  except  that  the 
glory  of  the  Lord  shall  have  risen  upon  her.  He  is 
her  Ufe,  and  she  will  have  energy,  endurance  and 
holy  zeal  in  her  great  work,  only  as  he  gives  her  His 
strength  and  inspiration.  The  church  must,  there- 
fore, look  to  Him  first  of  all  for  that  spirit  which 
will  lead  the  way  to  her  immortal  victories.  In  the 
largest  possible  sense  Christ  is  the  world's  savior, 
and  there  must  not  be  any  apathy  on  the  part  of  His 
chui'ch  respecting  the  world's  conversion.  Whatever 
may  be  the  Christian's  love  and  sympathy  for  men, 
it  is  after  all  the  boundless  love  of  Christ  that  con- 
strains him  to  do  what  he  can  for  their  salvation. 
The  great  motive  for  missionary  work,  the  grand  and 
ever -inspiring  motive,  is  the  dying,  risen,  and  all- 
victorious  Clirist. 

"  Not  the  wants  of  men,  but  the  work  of  Christ ; 
not  the  wretchedness  of  the  world,  but  the  will  of 
the  world's  Redeemer,  who  is  our  Lord;  whose  will, 
regnant  over  ours,  makes  us  willing  in  the  day  of  his 
power — this  is  our  undying  inspiration  whereby  our 
words  become  the  echo,  and  our  works  the  fulfill- 
ment of  his  exulting  cry ;  "And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up 
from  the  earth,  will  draw  all  men  unto  me."  We 
catch  the  echo  and  send  it  round  the  world  until  her 

"  Mountain  tops 
From  distant  mountains  catch  the  flying  joy," 

and  all  the  plains  and  valleys  become  vocal  with 
the  high  praises  of  God.  Those  who  are  called  to 
this  work  are  not  the  halt,  or  the  lame,  or  the  blind. 


54  CHRISTIAlSr   MISSIONS. 

of  the  Christian  flock.  Intellect  has  been  laid  npon 
the  altar  of  Cluistian  missions  that  waa  worthy 
of  the  crown  of  an  arch-angel.  And  hearts  have 
been  bruised  in  the  wine  press  of  heathen  lands 
that  have  been  counted  worthy  of  a  place  beside  the 
beating  heart  of  the  world's  Redeemer.  If  Paul's 
name  is  worthy  of  undying  memories,  so  is  Judson's. 
There  is  nothing  in  the  universe  grander  than  a 
Christian  man ;  and  no  one  is  more  blessed  than  he 
who  gives  all  his  honors  and  his  crowns  to  the  serv- 
ice of  Immanuel.  Laws,  armies,  and  revolutions  are 
only  visible  expressions  of  the  world's  power,  but 
they  are  as  nothing  in  the  presence  of  a  great  princely 
Christian  character.  Royalty  has  trembled,  and 
thrones  and  scepters  have  shaken  in  his  presence. 
Great  multitudes  of  heathen  have  been  moved  and 
subdued  by  him,  and  heaven  has  resounded  with 
the  thunders  of  his  victories.  The  missionaries  who 
go  forth  with  such  consecrated  characters  need  not 
fear.  A  great  divine  purpose  is  fulfilled  in  them. 
The  energies  of  heaven  are  working  like  Titans  in 
their  behalf.  The  ages  have  groaned  with  the  burden 
which  they  go  to  lift.  "All  things  sigh  to  be  renewed, 
and  renewed  by  the  word  they  preach,  into  that  new 
creation  of  which  the  Christ  is  Head.  All  human 
hopes,  all  immortal  thirsts,  all  divine  revelations, 
all  guilt  aching  to  be  cleansed,  all  prayers,  all  ex- 
amples, all  memories  of  the  faithful,"  conspire  to 
cheer  them  in  their  pilgrim  journeys  from  land  to 
land.  And  behind  them  the  voice  of  a  great  chorus 
rises  in  Christian  harmony,  saying — 


DEVOTED]^  ESS   TO   CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS.  55 

"Live  and  take  comfort.    Thou  has  left  behind 
Powers  that  will  work  for  thee  ; 
There's  not  the  breathing  of  the  summer  wind 
That  will  forget  thee  ;  " 

and  the  Church  will  not  forget  thee ;  and  Christ  will 
not  forget  thee ;  and  so  finally  shall  the  earth  be  a 
great  empire  filled  with  the  "  glad  tidings  of  great 

joy-" 


CHAPTER  II. 

GENERAL    CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY 
CONVENTION. 

^^^HE  tendency  to  retrospection  and  historical 
narration,  is  not  merely  a  characteristic  of 
old  age  or  an  accident  of  human  decline ;  it 
is  a  "beneficent  arrangement  of  divine  Provi- 
dence. 

In  all  education  experience  renders  an  important 
service,  and  for  its  teaching  there  is  no  substitute. 
"  Thou  shalt  remember  all  the  way  in  M^hich  the 
Lord  thy  God  hath  led  thee ;  "  "  One  generation 
shall  praise  thy  works  to  another,  and  shall  declare 
thy  mighty  acts."  The  past  is  thus  brought  for- 
ward into  the  present;  the  stream  of  tradition  is 
kept  running ;  and  while  the  less  valuable  facts  may 
be  precipitated  and  left  by  the  way,  the  more  im- 
portant are  borne  along  as  materials  for  the  continu- 
ous history  of  our  race. 

Apart  from  this  provision  the  annals  of  the  world, 
sacred  and  secular,  would  have  been  far  more  mea- 
ger and  fragmentary  than  they  are ;  and  the  hand 
of  God  in  history  would  have  been  far  less  obvious 
than  it  now  appears.  Every  generation  completes  a 
portion  of  history,  and  every  generation  should  con- 


CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY  CONVENTION.  57 

vey  to  its  successor  whatever  is  worthy  of  trans- 
mission. This  is  true  in  regard  to  communities, 
whether  they  be  divinely  appointed,  or  merely  hu- 
man associations.  They  all  perfomi  a  part  in  the 
world's  complicated  machinery,  and  their  combined 
acts  contribute  something  to  the  world's  history. 
The  actors  in  them  are  continually  passing  away, 
and  new  ones  come  forward  to  supply  their  places. 

It  is  well,  therefore,  for  every  form  of  organized 
society,  to  pause  occasionally  and  devote  itself  to  a 
review  of  the  past,  recalling  whatever  of  persons  or 
events  may  be  worthy  of  recollection,  and  placing 
on  permanent  record  so  much  of  the  gathered  results, 
as  ought  to  be  preserved.  The  successive  genera- 
tions overlap  one  another  in  precisely  the  way  to 
form  a  continuous  channel  for  the  traditionary 
current. 

The  providential  events  which  opened  the  way 
for  the  religious  movement  carried  on  by  the  "  Dis- 
ciples of  Christ,"  also  brought  influences  to  bear 
upon  the  minds  of  those  who  engaged  in  it  at  the 
beginning,  that  were  adapted  to  kindle  in  their 
hearts  a  missionary  spirit,  enlighten  them  in  regard 
to  their  duties,  and  prompt  them  to  evangelical  en- 
tei'prise  on  a  more  comprehensive  scale  than  any 
of  their  religious  contemporaries. 

From  1809  to  1849  were  the  tremendous  battle 
days  of  the  Disciples.  The  "  Declaration  and  Ad- 
dress" prepared  by  the  "acute,  logical,  and  scholarly 
mind  of  Thomas  Campbell,  though  uttered  in  w^ords 
as  calm  as  the  peaceful  sea,  yet  was  like  the  rush  of 


58  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

a  hurricane  in  the  effects  which  followed  upon  the 
great  outlying  religious  world. 

The  period  from  1809  to  1823  maybe  called  a  "  pre- 
paratory period."  During  this  time  the  saintly 
Thomas  Campbell  barely  broke  through  the  eccle- 
siastical environments  which  had  been  thrown 
around  him  by  his  early  religious  teaching  and  train- 
ing. But  the  fourteen  years  embraced  within  these 
limits,  were  not  idle  years  or  barren  of  results. 
They  were  spent  chiefly,  it  is  true,  in  gaining  a  sum- 
mit from  which  a  wider  horizon  might  be  surveyed, 
and  more  accurate  observations  made.  And  this  of 
itself  was  not  an  inconsiderable  result.  It  was  a 
steep  ascent  and  the  way  was  often  dark  and 
toilsome. 

It  is  not  enough  to  state  the  principles  of  correct 
action,  they  must  be  applied  as  well  as  stated ;  and 
how  to  apply  the  principles  pronounced  in  the  "  Dec- 
laration and  Address  "  was  one  of  the  great  prob- 
lems before  the  elder  Campbell  and  his  mightier  son, 
Alexander.  Gradually  they  reached  a  high  point  of 
observation,  and  from  that  summit  they  surveyed 
the  field.  They  saw  that  religious  darkness  covered 
almost  the  entire  earth,  and  gross  darkness  covered 
the  hearts  and  minds  of  myriads  of  people.  The 
Church  of  Christ  which  at  the  beginning  was  one, 
lay  before  them,  as  formless  and  void  as  chaos. 
Great  armies  of  warring  sects  were  marching  hitlier 
and  thither,  their  leaders  crying,  "  lo !  here "  and 
"  lo  !  there"  is  the  place  of  safety.  Guerilla  bands 
were  roving  over  the  country  with  sti'ange   devices 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION. 


59 


on  their  banners,  and  stranger  words  upon  their  lips. 
Occasionally  a  gleam  of  light  could  he  seen  through 
the  general  darkness.  Through  the  clouds  which 
overhung  the  religious  heavens  they  saw  beneath  an 
unwonted  commotion  in  the  religious  world.  The 
great  divine  mandate  had  been  uttered  again,  "  Let 
there  be  light !"  and  the  heralds  of  a  new  day  uttered 
their  cry,  "The  morning  cometh !"  and  the  banner  of 
the  Crucified  appeared  once  more  in  the  van  of  the 
armies  of  heaven  and  above  the  battle-banners  of 
men. 

They  looked  again,  and  they  saw  the  young  and 
the  old  upon  their  knees  in  efi'ectual  fervent 
prayer.  They  heard  the  cries  of  deep  supplication 
from  the  thousands  of  God's  people  who  had  never 
bowed  the  knee  to  Baal.  The  clouds  were  certainly 
rising ;  they  could  see  them  rise  and  one  by  one 
disappear.  Men  were  calling  for  the  Word,  the 
Word  whose  entrance  giveth  light.  The  islands  of 
the  sea  were  lifting  up  their  voices -and  pleading  for 
redemption.  The  "ends  of  the  earth"  were  asking 
for  the  "coming  of  the  Son  of  Man."  The  narrow 
limits  of  a  "sect"  were  too  small  to  compass  the 
world ;  the  Christ  and  his  church  only  were  able  to 
save  it. 

This  and  much  more  they  saw.  They  said  the 
Christ  must  be  the  only  master  to  whom  the  world 
must  bow.  They  said  the  church  of  Christ  must  not 
be  forever  divided  into  warring  factions ;  God's  peo- 
ple must  be  one,  and  then  the  millennial  day  will 
come. 


60  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

There  was  but  one  weapon  tliat  could  break  in 
pieces  the  oppressor,  and  let  the  captives  free — and 
that  was  the  Word  of  God.  When  these  things 
were  settled  in  their  minds  they  girded  themselves 
for  the  inevitable  conflict.  They  put  on  the  "  whole 
armor  of  God"  and  took  the  sword  of  the  spirit 
which— 

"Though  fit  for  archangel  to  wield 
Was  light  in  his  terrible  hand." 

Then  came  1823,  and  the  "  battle  of  the  giants  "  was 
fairly  opened ;  the  hands  of  all  raised  against  one, 
and  the  hand  of  one  against  them  all.  Tliomas 
Campbell  was  sixty  years  of  age  and  his  head 
covered  with  a  crown  of  glory.  He  had  helped  to 
plan  for  the  battle  but  his  age  unfitted  him  to  enter 
the  arena  of  angry  strife.  His  education  and  wis- 
dom fitted  him  for  counsel  but  his  hands  were  not 
trained  for  war, 

Alexander  Campbell  was  thirty-five  years  old 
when  he  wrote  the  introduction  to  the  Gliristian 
Baptist.  As  Carlyle  once  said  of  Martin  Luther  so 
may  it  be  said  of  Alexander  Campbell :  He  was  a 
a  man  of  "  rugged,  sterling  sense  and  strength.  He 
flashed  out  illumination  from  him;  his  smiting 
idiomatic  phrases  seem  to  cleave  into  the  very  secret 
of  the  matter.  Good  humor  too,  nay  tender  affec- 
tion, nobleness  and  depth :  This  man  could  have 
been  a  poet  too!  I  call  him  a  great  thinker;  as  in- 
deed his  greatness  of  heart  already  betokens  that. 
'  His  words  are  half  battles.'    The  essential  quality 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION.  Gl 

of  liim  was,  that  he  could  fight  and  conquer ;  that 
he  was  a  right  piece  of  human  valor." 

Than  Alexander  CamplbeU  no  braver  man  ever 
lived  in  that  great  company  of  God's  true  people, 
whose  character  is  valor. 

The  fourteen  years  of  preparation  and  observa- 
tion already  referred  to,  were  followed  by  seven 
years  of  relentless  religious  warfare.  The  history 
which  lies  between  the  years  1823  and  1830,  is  noisy 
with  the  roar  of  immense  conflict.  Men  did  not 
calmly  reason ;  they  stubbornly  fought.  On  the  one 
hand  it  was  the  death  struggle  of  sectism ;  on  the 
other  the  effort  of  broad,  catholic  truth  to  carry  the 
field.  Words  were  said  and  things  were  done  which 
the  sober  after-thought  wished  had  never  been  said 
and  never  been  done. 

Much  that  was  good  in  the  religious  systems  of 
the  day  received  iconaclastic  treatment  along  with 
the  bad  in  whose  company  unfoi-tunately  it  was 
found.  It  would  not  be  true  to  the  facts  to  say  that 
Mr.  Campbell's  words  were  always  the  fittest  to  de- 
scribe what  he  assailed  so  bitterly  and  vigorously. 
At  least  they  were  not  so  guarded  but  that  they 
sometimes  were  carried  further  than  he  intended 
they  should  go.  His  arrows  were  shot  from  a  bow 
full  strung  and  sometimes  went  through  and  beyond 
the  mark.  This,  however,  is  not  the  wonder  of  his 
life — ^the  wonder  is  that  he  said  so  few  things  that 
ought  to  have  been  left  unsaid. 

In  the  Christian  Baptist  Mr.  Campbell's  work  is 
more  general  than  specific.     It  was  the  roar  of 


62  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

columbiads;  it  was  the  msli  of  the  hurricane;  it 
was  the  sea  at  high  tide  and  mighty  storms  on  top. 
His  generalizations  of  gospel  revelation  were  as 
sweeping  as  the  sun  in  its  course,  and  as  grand  as 
the  mountains  beneath  it. 

But  when  the  cycle  of  seven  years  of  stormy  life 
had  been  completed,  and  Mr.  Campbell  had  in  a  large 
measure  conquered  a  peace,  and  was  disposed  to 
look  more  calmly  and  critically  into  his  already 
projected  work,  he  wTote:  "Many  subjects  intro- 
duced into  this  work  have  not  been  fully  and  sys- 
tematically discussed.  General  views  have  been 
submitted  rather  than  full  developments  and  de- 
fences. Not  a  single  topic  has  received  that  finish, 
or  that  elucidation  which  it  is  within  the  compass  of 
our  means  to  bestow  upon  it.  I  have  thought  if  life 
should  be  prolonged,  and  an  opportunity  offer,  that  I 
would  one  day  revise  this  work,  and  have  a  second 
edition  of  it  published  with  such  emendations  as  ex- 
perience and  observation  might  suggest." 

The  "emendations"  to  which  he  refers  he  was 
never  able  to  make  with  his  own  hands  except  as  he 
indicated  them  on  the  pages  of  the  Millennial  Har- 
binger which  he  began  to  publish  in  1830. 

The  Christian  Haptistwas  the  "  thunder-hammer" 
of  his  might  which  he  used  with  but  little  regard 
for  the  consequences ;  the  Millennial  Harbinger  was 
the  full-orbed  power  of  the  righteous  man  who  desired 
to  "  deal  justly,  love  mercy,  and  walk  humbly  be- 
fore God." 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION.  63 

It  is,  therefore,  only  rendering  simple  justice  to 
the  strong,  brave  man  to  go  to  the  years  beginning 
with  the  publication  of  the  Millennial  Harbinger  to 
find  Mr.  Campbell's  mature  ^'iews  in  regard  to  mis- 
sions, and  especially  for  his  mature  views  on 
methods  of  co-operation.  Not  to  do  this  is  to  do 
violence  not  only  to  him  but  to  truth  itself;  and 
time's  revenges  will  surely  come  upon  those  who 
seek  to  oppose  "  missionary  societies "  because  in 
the  heat  of  the  most  furious  controversy  Mr.  Camp- 
bell uttered  words  which  when  peace  came,  he  did 
not  defend,  but  would  have  "revised  and  emended." 

In  the  Millennial  Harbinger  his  work  is  more 
specific  and  less  general,  especially  on  the  questions 
of  church  polity,  organization,  and  methods  of  co- 
operation. On  these  pages  there  is  no  uncertainty 
in  his  utterances  on  any  of  these  questions. 
Neither  was  he  in  his  dotage  as  some  would  have 
us  believe.  He  was  in  the  greatness  of  his  intellect, 
and  able  to  command  an  empire  when  the  American 
Christian  Missionary  Society  was  organized  in  1849. 

No  one  ever  had  a  better  opportunity  to  fully  know 
Mr.  Campbell's  mind  on  the  question  of  organization 
for  missionary  work,  or  "  missionary  societies"  than 
W.  K.  Pendleton,  the  now  hoary-headed  and  hon- 
ored President  of  Bethany  College,  and  Mr.  Camp- 
bell's successor  in  that  office.  As  a  son  he  was  ever 
near  to  the  giant's  heart,  and  he  knows  whereof  he 
aflarms. 

In  1866  Mr.  Pendleton  delivered  an  address  on  the 
occasion  of  the  eighteenth  Anniversary  of  the  Ameri- 


64  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

can  Christian  Missionary  Society.  This  address  is 
published  in  full  with  the  minutes  of  the  convention 
of  that  year.  In  that  address  Mr,  Pendleton  says 
on  the  point  we  are  now  considering : 

"  There  is  a  class  among  us,  who  have  a  sort  of 
bibliolatry  toward  the  Christian  Baptist,  and,  as  is 
usual  in  such  cases,  they  imagine  that  it  has  uttered 
many  oracles,  which  upon  a  more  careful  study  it 
will  be  found,  are  not  to  be  discovered  on  its  pages. 
This  is  esj)ecially  the  case,  with  reference  to  this  sub- 
ject of  missions.  Early  in  the  issue  of  this  work,  in 
the  second  number,  the  editor  declared  that  he  did 
not  intend  to  dwell  much  on  this  topic  —  and  every 
one  familiar  with  its  pages,  knows  that  this  purpdse 
was  strictly  adhered  to.  Not  only  is  the  measure  of 
interest  which  was  given  to  this  subject  greatly  ex- 
aggerated, but  the  spring  and  main  motive  of  it  are 
almost  universally  misunderstood.  We  feel  that  it 
is  due  to  the  great  name  of  Alexander  Campbell  to 
vindicate  his  memory  from  the  charge  that  he  was  ever 
opposed  to  true  missionary  work,  or  true  and  scrip- 
turally  conducted  missions.  It  must  be  remembered 
that  in  his  early  writings,  he  was  engaged  almost  in- 
cessantly in  the  fiercest  and  closest  conflicts  with 
the  various  forms  of  sectarianism,  which  surrounded 
him,  and  which  as  organizations,  both  in  their  theory 
and  their  practice,  he  was  deeply  convinced,  were 
injurious  to  the  highest  interests  of  the  church,  and 
incumbrances  upon  the  primitive  power  of  the  gos- 
pel. As  such  he  attacked  them.  "Their  missionary 
plans''''  was  but  one  featui*e  of  many,  and  this,  as  a 


CHRISTIAlSr   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION.  65 

plan,  not  as  a  legitimate  purpose,  lie  criticised,  witli 
a  moderation  and  caution,  however,  which  showed 
that  he  desired  to  touch  it  but  gently.  His  arrows 
were  directed  against  the  "scheme."  "Ourohjections 
to  the  missionary  plan,"  says  he,  "originated  from 
the  conviction  that  it  is  unauthorized  in  the  New 
Testament ;  and  that,  in  many  instances  it  is  a  sys- 
tem of  iniquitous  peculation  and  speculation,  I  feel 
perfectly  ahle  to  maintain.  *  *  *  *  IS'ot  ques- 
tioning the  piety  and  philanthropy  of  many  of  the 
originators  and  present  abettors  of  the  missionary 
plan,  we  must  say  that  the  present  sclienie  is  not 
authorized  by  our  King."  This  was  written  in  the 
very  beginning  of  his  work  as  a  Reformer,  and  lest 
some  might  stupidly  misunderstand  his  motives,  he 
throws  out  the  following  caveat :  — "There  is  another 
difficulty,"  he  says,  "of  which  we  are  aware,  that,  as 
some  objects  are  manifestly  good,  and  the  means 
adopted  for  their  accomplishment  manifestly  evil, 
speaking  against  the  means  employed,  we  may  be 
sometimes  understood  as  opposing  the  object  ab- 
stractly, especially  by  those  who  do  not  wish  to 
understand  but  rather  to  misrepresent.  For  instance 
—  That  the  conversion  of  the  heathen  to  the  Chris- 
tian religion  is  an  object  manifestly  good,  all  Chris- 
tians will  acknowledge ;  yet  every  one  acquainted 
with  the  means  employed,  and  with  the  success  at- 
tendant on  the  means,  must  know  that  the  means 
have  not  been  blessed ;  and  every  intelligent  Chris- 
tian must  know  that  many  of  the  means  employed 
.  have  been  manifestly  evil.     Besides,"  says  he,  and 


f56  CHRISTIAN   MISSTOlSrS. 

this  I  take  to  be  the  key  to  all  his  opposition  to  these 
sectarian  missions,  "to  convert  the  heathen  to  the 
popular  Christianity  of  these  times,  would  be  an  ob- 
ject of  no  great  consequence,  as  the  popular  Chris- 
tians themselves,  for  the  most  part,  require  to  be  con- 
verted to  the  Christianity  of  the  New  Testament." 

This  is  the  author's  own  explanation  of  the  mo- 
tives of  his  opposition  as  expressed  on  the  earliest 
pages  of  the  CliHstian  Baptist  itself,  and  I  need 
not  pause  to  show  how  utterly  irrelevant  it  is,  to  the 
uses  for  which  it  is  now  sought  to  be  employed. 
The  fact  is,  his  heart  was  too  full  of  tlie  benevolent 
and  saving  power  of  the  gospel,  to  allow  him  to 
impose  any  trammels  upon  aii}^  legitimate  means 
which  the  liberality  and  the  wisdom  of  the  church 
might  devise  for  its  universal  proclamation.  When 
this  Society  was  first  formed,  he  was  made  its  presi- 
dent, and  in  this  relation  he  continued,  by  the 
partiality  of  its  members  and  witli  his  own  consent, 
till  he  was  called  to  join  the  congregation  of  the 
first-born  in  heaven.  From  the  first,  he  throw  his 
mighty  influence  in  its  favor.  During  the  earlier 
months  of  1849,  in  the  autumn  of  which  year  it  was 
organized,  he  gave  his  pen  and  the  pages  of  the 
Harl)in,gcr  liberally  to  prepare  the  way  for  its 
adoption." 

In  1874  Mr.  Pendleton  delivered  an  historical  ad- 
dress T)efore  the  same  society  on  its  twenty-fifth 
anniversary.  That  address  is  presented  in  full,  be- 
cause it  is  the  testimony  of  one  who  "  had  perfect 
understanding  of  all  things  from  the  very  first,"  . 
and  is  therefore  pertinent  and  important. 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION.  67 

Of  tlie  organization  of  the  American  Christian 
Missionary  Society  and  Mr.  Campbell's  relation  to  it 
Mr.  Pendleton  says : 

"The  American  Christian  Missionary  Society, 
now  met  to  celebrate  its  twenty-fifth  anniversary,was 
organized  in  this  city  of  Cincinnati,  in  October, 
1849.  The  greatest  hearts  of  the  brotherhood  of  that 
day  had  been  in  conference  about  the  matter,  and 
the  result  was  a  General  Convention  and  the  organi- 
zation for  efficient  work.  David  S.  Burnet,  who  pre- 
sided over  this  convention,  in  a  letter  addressed  to 
Alexander  Campbell  informing  him  of  his  election 
as  President  of  the  Society,  says:  "When  Bro. 
Pendleton  appeared  in  the  convention  and  informed 
us  that  your  absence  occurred  in  consequence  of  ill- 
ness, we  doubly  sympathized  with  you  in  an  afflic- 
tion, which  was  also  a  disaster  to  us,  as  it  deprived  the 
convention  of  your  society  and  counsel.  The  con- 
vention over  which  you  were  elected  President  has 
requested  me  to  assure  you  of  their  sympathy  and 
prayers  —  a  duty  most  genial  to  my  feelings,  the 
more  especially  as  I  can,  in  the  same  communica- 
tion, contribute  to  your  joy  by  announcing  a  happy 
issue  of  our  meeting.  About  five  thousand  dollars 
were  raised  in  money  and  pledges  for  our  various  en- 
terprises but  especially  for  the  Bible  and  Mission- 
ary Societies,  which  shared  about  equally  in  the 
munificence.  I  never  knew  so  fine  a  meeting.  It 
lasted  one  week  and  filled  us  full  of  joy  and  love. 
The  representatives  of  the  churches  from  abroad 
amounted  to  about  two  hundi-ed." 


68  CHEISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

The  "joy  and  love"  expressed  Iby  the  correspond- 
ent of  the  convention  was  fully  shared  by  the  great 
heart  to  whom  it  was  addressed.  Commenting  on 
this  movement,  he  said:  "It  is  the  glory,  and  I 
trust  it  will  be  long  regarded  as  the  glory  of  the 
first  convention  ever  assembled  of  our  brethren,  that 
then  and  there  they  unanimously  resolved,  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  to  institute,  to  organize,  and  to 
put  into  operation,  a  society  for  spreading  salvation 
and  civilization  over  all  lands,  as  far  as  the  Lord 
will  give  them  the  means  and  the  opportunity.  *  * 
I  have,  at  present,  only  time  to  add,  that,  of  all  the 
other  projects  of  the  age,  this  is  the  chief,  "f 

Nothing  is  better  known  to  those  familiar  with  the 
life  and  hopes  of  Alexander  Campbell  than  that, 
among  the  concerns  of  deep  solicitude  with  him,  this 
of  the  organic  co-operation  of  the  entire  brother- 
hood for  the  spread  of  the  gospel  was  the  most  con- 
stant and  profound.  It  was  in  his  conversation,  in 
his  preaching,  in  his  prayers.  In  1842,  moved  by 
his  sense  of  what  he  called  the  "  great  need  of  a 
more  rational  and  scriptural  organization,"  he  vtn-ote 
in  his  HarMnger : 

"1,  We  can  do  comparatively  nothing  in  distribut- 
ing the  Bible  abroad  without  co-operation. 

"2.  We  can  do  comparatively  but  little  in  the 
great  missionary  field  of  the  world,  either  at  home 
or  abroad,  without  co-operation. 

"  3.  We  can  do  little  or  nothing  to  improve  and 
elevate  the  Christian  ministry  without  co-operation. 

t  Mill.  Harb.,  1850,  p.  76. 


OHEISTIAN  MISSIONARY   CONVENTION.  69 

"4.  We  can  do  Ibut  little  to  check,  restrain  and 
remove  the  flood  of  imposture  and  fraud  committed 
upon  the  benevolence  of  the  brethren  by  irresponsi- 
ble, plausible  and  deceptions  persons  without  co- 
operation. 

"  5.  We  cannot  concentrate  the  action  of  the  tens 
of  thousands  of  Israel  in  any  great  Christian  effort, 
but  by  co-operation. 

"  6.  We  can  have  no  thorough  co-operation  with- 
out a  more  ample,  extensive  and  thorough  church 
organization."  :j: 

Again,  he  says :  "K  Christ's  kingdom  consists  of 
ten  thousand  families,  or  churches — particular,  dis- 
tinct and  independent  communities — how  are  they 
to  act  in  concert,  maintain  unity  of  interests,  or 
co-operate  in  any  system  of  conservation  or  enlarge- 
ment, unless  by  consultation  and  systematic  co- 
operation ?  I  aflirm  it  to  be,  in  my  humble  opinion 
and  from  years  of  observation  and  experience,  im- 
possible. The  Bible  teaches  also  its  impossibility 
and  suggests  a  different  system."  § 

In  1844  he  is  still  pressing  the  subject  upon  the 
brethren.  He  says :  "  The  matter  of  the  organiza- 
tion of  churches  as  such  was  fully  developed  twenty 
years  ago  in  the  CJirisiian  Baptist,  and  more 
recently  in  my  extra  on  order.  But  we  now  evi- 
dently want  some  scriptural  system  of  co-operation, 
some  general  or  common  understanding  in  matters 
connected  with  the  intercourse  of  communities  and 
public  laborers.    At  present  there  is  no  common 

X  Mill.  Harb.,  1842,  p.  522.  g  Mill.  Harb.,  1842,  p.  60. 


70  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

understanding  among  the  churches  on  this  subject; 
and,  as  a  consequence,  many  unpleasant  occurrences 
and  a  great  want  of  concentrated  effort  in  building 
up  the  common  cause."  || 

In  October,  1844,  a  meeting  of  conference  on  these 
subjects  was  held  in  Steubunyille,  Ohio,  pursuant  to 
the  request  of  a  number  of  churches  in  Virginia  and 
Ohio,  for  the  purpose  of  exchanging  views  on  the 
subject  of  co-operation,  organization,  etc.  Various 
propositions  were  suggested  and  discussed,  and  the 
meeting  adjourned  to  meet  in  Wellsburg,  Virginia, 
having  first  appointed  a  committee  of  five  to  draft 
and  report  propositions  for  further  discussion.  Alex- 
ander Campbell  was  the  chairman  of  the  committee 
and  prepared  the  report.  It  discussed,  in  three, 
several  chapters :  1.  Organization.  2.  Church  Edi- 
fication. 3.  Co-operation.  In  the  third  chapter  he 
said: 

"1.  Christians  should  co-operate  in  all  things 
which  they  cannot  so  well  accomplish  by  their  indi- 
vidual enterprise. 

"  2.  As  it  is  the  duty  of  every  congregation,  in  any 
city  or  district  of  country,  to  have  respect  to  its  in- 
fluence upon  the  community  in  which  it  lives,  being- 
placed  there  as  a  candlestick,  so  it  is  the  duty  of  all 
congregations,  in  any  city  or  district,  to  co-operate 
in  accomplishing  in  that  district,  state  or  nation 
whatever  they  could  not  otherwise  accomplish  for 
the  publication  of  the  word  and  the  edification  of 
the  church. 

I  Ibid.  1844,  p.  45. 


CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY   CONVENTION.  71 

"  3.  To  do  this  successfully,  they  must  either,  oc- 
casionally, meet  together  by  deputies,  messengers 
or  representatives,  and  consult  together  for  the  bet- 
ter performance  of  their  duties.  These  meetings 
being  voluntary  expedients  in  matters  of  expediency, 
such  persons  have  no  authority  to  legislate  in  any 
matter  of  faith  or  moral  duty,  but  to  attend  to  the 
w^ays  and  means  of  successful  co-operation  in  all  the 
objects  of  duty  before  them."  * 

These  earnest  utterances  were  echoed  from  many 
strong,  concurring  hearts,  and  in  various  forms  the 
sentiments  began  to  embody  themselves  in  different 
parts  of  the  country.  In  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  the  nucleus 
was  soon  formed  of  "  The  American  Christian  Bible 
Society,"  also  of  a  "  Tract ''  or  "  Publication  Society." 
From  the  first,  many  of  our  most  prudent  workers 
and  far-seeing  thinkers  objected  to  these  organiza- 
tions— ^to  the  latter  as  premature  and  savoring  too 
much  of  a  secular  character,  and  to  the  former  as 
unnecessary,  because  of  the  work  being  already 
sufficiently  provided  for  in  the  organization  of  the 
American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  Still  the  in- 
terest excited  by  these  movements  was  considerable, 
and  the  agitation  and  discussion  to  which  they  gave 
rise  led  soon  to  the  call  of  the  General  Conference 
which,  in  1849,  organized  the  society  whose  twenty- 
fifth  anniversary  we  celebrate  to-night. 

This  was  the  work  of  no  faction ;  of  no  ambitious, 
scheming,  demagogues  ;  of  no  unsound  progression- 
ists; of  no  clique,  conclave  or  club.     It  was  the 

♦  Mill.  Ilafb.,  1845,  p.  66. 


72  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

ripened  fruit  of  twenty-five  years  of  prayerful 
growth,  under  an  ordeal  of  persecution  and  mis- 
representation and  multiplied  conflicts  with  friends 
false  within  and  enemies  fierce  without ;  it  was  the 
wisdom  of  the  heroic  pioneers  of  the  reformation, 
whose  lives  had  been  stamped  with  many  and  signal 
evidences  of  providential  guidance ;  it  was  the  united 
voice  of  leaders,  than  whom  none  truer  or  braver  ever 
bore  in  the  battle's  front  the  banner  of  our  King ;  it 
was  an  open  field-movement,  when  Israel's  hosts  ar- 
rayed themselves  for  nobler  achievements,  and  fore- 
most in  the  ranks  rang  the  veteran  voices  of  Camp- 
bell, and  Scott,  and  Burnet  and  Johnson,  and  Smith, 
and  Challen,  and  Allen,  and  Rogers,  and  Fall,  and 
others  who  are  of  the  immortal  few,  whose  names  a 
grateful  brotherhood  will  not  suffer  to  be  forgotten 
or  defamed. 

But  one  of  those  first  men,  already  then  venerable 
fathers  in  Israel,  I  see  among  us  to-night.  A  few  of 
us  who  were  younger  twenty-five  j^ears  ago  are  here, 
and,  I  thank  God,  still  standing  by  the  old  flag  which 
the  fathers  unfurled ;  but  you,  our  venerable  Challen, 
you  were  our  first  Corresponding  Secretary ;  and 
when,  through  the  caprices  of  Ohio  river  navigation, 
our  first  president  was  prevented  from  reaching  the 
first  anniversary  of  the  society  in  time  to  open  the 
proceedings,  you  were  aj)pointed  by  the  Board  to 
deliver  the  first  annual  address.  Do  you  remember 
your  first  words  on  that  memorable  day  ?  "The  cause 
of  missions  is  the  cause  of  God.  It  is  the  chief  instru- 
mentality in  the  propagation  of  the  gospel."  So  you 


CHRISTIAN  MISSION  ART  CONVENTION.  73 

said  then,  and  so  you  l^elieve  now.  You  looked  over 
the  vast  field  in  our  own  country,  over  the  east  and  the 
isles  of  the  seas,  and  lingered  with  the  fond  sadness  of 
an  exile  as  you  heard  in  fancy  the  song  of  the  reaper, 
the  shout  of  the  vine-dresser ;  the  pipe,  and  the  harp, 
and  the  tabret  filling  the  air  with  festal  mirth  in  thy 
"  delightsome  land,"  O  Immanuel !  It  was  a  vision 
of  the  olden  time,  when  "  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth 
was  Mount  Zion" — a  vision  of  thy  brighter  days, 
hovering  as  in  a  di'eam  over  the  desolation  of  this 
hour  of  darkness,  0  Jerusalem !  "We  remember  with 
what  enthusiasm  you  anticipated  "  the  thrill  of  joy 
that  the  news  of  the  first  convert  on  Zion's  hill  would 
send  throughout  the  army  of  the  faithful." 

For  Jerusalem  was  our  first  foreign  mission.  As 
early  as  October,  1848,  Dr.  James  T.  Barclay,  of  Vir- 
ginia, had  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Corresponding 
Secretary  of  the  Christian  Bible  Society,  in  which 
he  expressed  the  hope  that  the  general  meeting  of 
the  brotherhood,  which  had  been  called  to  consider 
the  matter,  would  decide  to  establish  a  Foreign  Mis- 
sionary Society,  and,  in  that  case,  offering  his  serv- 
ices to  go  with  the  gospel  to  them  that  "  sit  in  dark- 
ness and  the  shadow  of  death."  From  his  copious 
pen  able  articles  appeared  in  the  Christian  Age, 
advocating  the  claims  of  "  Zion,  the  city  of  the  Great 
King,"  as  the  most  appropriate  place  for  the  first 
mission-station  and  foreign  missionary  efforts  of 
those  whose  exalted  vocation  it  is  to  'restore  all 
things  as  they  were  delivered  to  us  by  the  apostles.' " 
The  suggestion  was  received  with  enthusiasm,  es- 


74  CHKISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

pecially  in  Virginia,  where  the  Barclay  family  were 
so  well  known;  and  "before  the  first  year  of  the 
society's  life  Avas  run  the  Jerusalem  Mission  had 
been  decided  upon,  and  the  beloved  missionary  was 
on  his  way  to  the  ancient  "  City  of  the  Great  King." 
The  interest  awakened  "by  this  movement  was  gen- 
eral, deep  and  warm ;  so  that,  when  in  Virginia  it 
was  proposed,  by  the  lamented  J.  W.  Goss,  that  she 
alone  should  support  the  Jerusalem  Mission,  I  re- 
member with  what  catholic  zeal  and  spirit  you,  Bro. 
Challen  and  others,  refused  to  allow  the  general 
enthusiasm  to  be  excluded  from  an  open  share  in 
the  joyful  work.  Kentucky,  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois, 
Missouii,  Tennessee,  Pennsylvania  and  other  States 
wanted  stock  in  the  common  honor  of  sending  the 
gospel  back  again  to  the  land  of  its  birth,  and  must 
not  be  excluded  from  the  privilege. 

But  in  making  this  allusion  to  what  may  seem  a 
spirit  of  emulation  among  the  States  on  this  subject, 
let  me  not  do  injustice  to  the  memory  of  the  departed 
Goss.  His  was  a  mind  too  catholic  in  thought,  a 
heart  too  all-embracing  in  its  Christian  fellowship, 
and  a  practical  wisdom  too  regulative  and  foreseeing 
to  propose  anything  so  narrow,  exclusive  and  short- 
sighted as  to  repress  the  enthusiasm  or  hinder  the 
liberality  of  any  part  of  the  great  brotherhood  in 
the  cause  of  missions.  His  idea  was  larger.  He 
contemplated  many  foreign  missions,  and  thought 
that  it  would  conduce  to  their  speedy  establishment 
and  certain  support  if  each  State,  or  co-operation  of 
States,  would  select  one  mission  and  pledge  itself 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION".  75 

specically  to  its  support.  It  was  tlie  suggestion  of  a 
noble  zeal  and  a  great  heart.  Rich  in  imagination, 
thrilling  in  eloquence,  strong  in  argument,  and  true 
in  every  instinct  of  his  nature  to  his  convictions  of 
truth,  he  stood  vrith  the  now  venerable  Coleman, 
his  peer  and  true  yoke-fellow  in  every  high  quality 
of  man  and  minister,  foremost  among  the  public 
representatives  of  the  cause  of  missions  in  the  Old 
Dominion.  He  has  taken  his  place  among  the  cloud 
of  witnesses  that  behold  us  to-day,  and  shares,  as 
spirits  may,  in  the  fellowship  of  this  anniversary. 

The  question  will  be  naturally  asked  by  the 
younger  Disciples  who  are  working  with  us  to-day, 
Was  there  no  objection  raised  against  this  organiza- 
tion in  the  beginning?  We  answer,  yes.  In  the 
first  form  of  the  Constitution  of  the  society  the 
third  article  provided  for  annual  delegates,  life  mem- 
bers and  life  directors,  upon  a  "  money  basis,"  as  it 
was  called.  It  was  also  supposed  that  the  Consti- 
tution opened  the  door  of  membership  to  Christian, 
Jew  and  Infidel  alike,  ''  thereby  amalgamating  the 
church  and  the  world,"  These  objections  made  by 
the  general  meeting  of  the  Disciples  of  Virginia,  in 
May,  1850,  P.  Woolfolk,  President,  and  R,  Y.  Hen- 
ley, Secretary,  and  substantially  urged  also  by  con- 
gregations and  individuals  in  other  States,  were  not 
captious  or  censorious,  but  in  the  best  feeling  and 
with  many  expressions  of  interest  in  the  general 
purpose  of  the  society.  They  were  met  with  a  noble 
courtesy  by  the  next  annual  meeting  of  the  society, 
and  the  objectionable  article  was  promptly  stricken 


76  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

out  of  the  Constitution.  This  was  in  October,  1850 ; 
but  in  1852, 1  think,  the  propriety  of  this  action  was 
reconsidered,  and  the  clause  which  in  the  spirit  of 
compromise  had  "been  stricken  out  but  two  years  be- 
fore, out  of  deference  to  many  brethren  who  objected, 
was  again  restored  to  the  Constitution  as  the  wisest 
policy  for  the  financial  success  of  the  society.  A 
comparatively  small  number  of  contributors,  and  a 
steady  and  reliable  income  every  year,  such  as  life 
directorships  and  life  memberships  secured,  was 
found  to  be  better  for  the  support  of  missions  and 
the  pay  of  missionaries  than  a  host  of  friends  har- 
monious and  contented  about  plans,  but  an  empty 
treasury ;  and  to  this  the  society  steadfastly  adhered 
till  1869,  when  the  "  Louisville  Plan  "  was  adopted. 

But  there  was  also  opposition  of  another  type  ; 
opposition  to  the  society  as  an  organization,  and 
even  to  "  conventions  "  of  the  brotherhood,  to  con- 
sult and  co-operate,  in  any  representative  way  about 
anything.  Opposition  to  conventions,  opposition  to 
societies,  opposition  to  boards,  opposition  to  presi- 
dents, opposition  to  treasurers,  but  especially,  and 
above  all,  opposition  to  corresponding  secretaries. 
There  was  nothing,  it  was  contended,  higher,  bigger, 
or  more  to  be  respected  than  a  church,  an  ecclesia,  a 
congregation.  This  was  proved  by  the  ClirisUan 
Baptist  and  Dr.  Carson,  and  the  inter^jretative  logic 
of  Jacob  Creath,  Jr. 

I  notice  this  phase  of  the  fortunes  of  the  society 
out  of  no  feeling  of  discourtesy  to  any  one,  living  or 
dead,  but  because  I  feel  it  due  to  the  interests  of  the 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION.  77 

missionary  cause  and  to  the  memory  of  Alexander 
Campbell,  tliat  the  truth  as  to  his  sentiments  on  this 
subject,  late  or  early,  mature  or  premature,  shall  be 
truly  and  correctly  known.  It  has  been  wisely  said 
that  nothing  is  more  delusive  than  half-facts — facts 
stated  out  of  their  connections  and  apart  from  their 
qualifying  conditions.  Hence,  in  the  foim  of  our 
judicial  oaths,  we  are  charged  to  "  tell  the  truth,  the 
whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth."  To  tell  the 
truth  as  far  as  we  go  and  keep  back  something,  or 
to  tell  the  whole  truth  and  add  something  that  is 
false,  is,  in  either  case,  to  add  ingenuity  to  misrep- 
resentation and  make  the  statement  doubly  delusive. 
That  Alexander  Campbell,  in  1849  and  1850, 
favored  conventions  of  the  brethren,  and  specifically 
the  missionary  organization  then  in  its  infancy,  can 
not  be  denied.  It  was  not  only  evidenced  by  his 
acceptance  of  the  Presidency  from  the  first,  but  by 
his  earnest  advocacy  of  it  in  the  Harhinger  to  the 
close  of  his  long  career  as  a  writer.  I  have  already 
shown,  by  numerous  extracts  from  his  writings, 
running  back  anterior  to  the  formation  of  the  society 
in  1849  to  1842  —  to  speak  accurately,  in  the  autumn 
of  1841  — how  his  great  and  brave  mind  was  work- 
ing on  this  subject.  About  that  time  your  speaker 
first  became  intimately  connected  with  him  in  public 
work,  and  could  claim  some  right,  therefore,  to  speak 
from  his  own  knowledge  had  the  voice  of  the  "  old 
man  eloquent "  given  no  public  or  certain  sound  on 
the  subject.  But  it  is  not  necessary.  He  has  spoken 
for  himself  ^\ith  the  emphasis  and  power  and  clear- 


78  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

ness  with  wliicli  his  voice  was  ever  heard,  when 
uttering  his  strong  convictions  concerning  the  wel- 
fare of  the  church. 

But  I  may  "be  allowed  to  remind  some  living  wit- 
nesses here  and  elsewhere  of  the  fact  that  it  was 
some  objections  of  his  to  the  manner  in  which  the 
American  Christian  Bible  Society  was  inaugurated, 
especially  the  opinion  that  the  general  brotherhood 
had  not  been  duly  consulted  about  it,  that  led  to  the 
call  of  the  grand  convention  of  1849, which  first  organ- 
ized the  missionary  society.  I  remember  the  solici- 
tude with  which  he  looked  forward  to  the  first  great 
general  convocation  of  the  brotherhood.  It  was  suited 
to  his  large  idea  of  the  hosts  of  the  Lord,  and  fired 
his  heart  with  the  enthusiasm  with  which  he  was 
wont  to  imagine  David  going  up  to  the  national 
festivals  of  Israel.  But  when  the  time  came  he  was 
just  recovering  from  severe  illness,  and  it  was 
deemed  unwise  for  him  to  attempt  to  go.  Thus  dis- 
appointed and  at  the  last  hour,  he  requested  me  to 
go  and  bear  his  regrets  for  his  absence  ;  and,  as  I 
might  be  able,  also  his  hopes  and  wishes  concern- 
ing the  action  of  the  convention.  And  when  I  re- 
turned to  him  and  told  of  that  action,  and  of  the 
numbers  and  strength  and  enthusiasm  and  harmony 
of  the  brethren  who  had  concurred  in  it,  and  gave 
him  a  copy  of  the  constitution  wliich  they  had 
adopted,  he  wrote  in  the  next  Harbinger:  "I  am 
particularly  gratified  with  the  great  issues  of  de- 
liberation." 

Words  like  these  from  him  were  particularly  dis- 
pleasing to  some  who  thought  they  had  understood 


CHRISTIAlSr  MISSIONARY   CONVENTION,  79 

liim  differently,  and  whose  views  of  conventions  and 
societies,  they  believed,  had  been  sanctioned,  if  not 
formed,  by  the  teachings  of  the  Christian  Baptist. 
Foremost  among  these  was  Jacob  Creatli,  Jr.  He  not 
only  assailed  the  conventions  of  the  brotherhood,  but 
declaimed  with  his  usual  positiveness  and  severity 
against  the  inconsistency  of  Alexander  Campbell,  in 
the  Christian  Baptist  in  1823  and  1824,  and  Alexan- 
der Campbell,  in  the  Millennial  Harbinger  of  the 
year  1850.  A  characteristic  sample  of  this  writing 
may  be  found  in  the  Harbinger  of  the  year  named, 
page  637.  Quoting  from  himself  in  an  article  con- 
tributed to  the  Christian  Baptist,  in  1823,  Bro. 
Creath  says — "I  wrote  as  follows  respecting  conven- 
tions :  'I  have  long  been  a  member  of  associations ; 
and  to  the  best  of  my  knowlege,  all  the  rivalships, 
divisions,  schisms,  jealousies  and  antipathies  which 
have  existed  in  our  State  have  been  generated,  nour- 
ished and  measurably  matured  in  associations.  By 
adopting  the  same  rule  by  which  associations  are 
formed,  we  might  have  a  national  convention  of  all 
the  kindreds,  tongues,  people,  tribes  and  nations 
under  heaven,  to  meet  once  in  every  ten  or  twenty 
years,  in  London,  Constantinople,  Pekin  or  Phila- 
delphia. Let  each  meeting  send  an  embassador,  plen- 
ipotentiary, messenger,  priest,  high  priest,  pontiff 
or  king,  as  the  urgency  of  the  case  may  require.' " 
This,  he  says,  he  wrote  five  years  before  that  beast 
(the  Elkhorn  Association)  gored  him,  and  that  it  is, 
with  a  quotation  which  he  gives  from  the  editor's 
own  pen,  "a  fair  sample  of  the  whole  Christian  Bap- 


80  CHRISTIAN    MISSIOJS-S. 

tist  on  the  subject  of  conventions."  Now,  if  this 
is  so,  then  the  genius  of  taste  and  rhetoric,  and  logic, 
and  common  sense,  with  all  languages,  Londonic, 
Constantinopolitan,  Pekinic  and  Philadelphian,  have 
mercy  on  the  Christian  Baptist;  and  let  "each  meet- 
ing," with  its  high  priest,  pontiff,  or  king."  have 
mercy  on  us  all ! 

But  did  Alexander  Camplbell  write  thus  in  the 
Christian  Baptist  about  such  convocations  as  he 
afterward  recommends  in  the  Harbinger  f  Let  Bro. 
Creath's  own  selection  answer.  It  reads :  "  In  two 
preceding  essays,"  says  Alexander  Campbell,  "we 
partially  adverted  to  the  causes  that  concurred  in 
ushering  into  existence  that  inonstrum  horrendum, 
informe,  ingens^  cui  lumen  ademptum — that  mon- 
ster, horrific,  shapeless,  huge,  whose  light  is  extinct, 
called  an  ecclesiastical  court.  By  an  ecclesiastical 
court,  we  mean,  those  meetings  of  the  clergy,  either 
stated  or  occasional,  for  the  purpose  either  of  enact- 
ing new  ecclesiastical  canons  or  of  executing  old 
ones."  Here  it  is.  When  Alexander  Campbell,  in 
the  Christian  Baptist,  characterizes  an  ecclesiastical 
combination  of  this  kind  as  "  anti-scriptural,  anti- 
Christian  and  dangerous  to  the  community,  civil  and 
religious,"  of  what  is  he  talking  ?  Is  it  not  definitely 
stated  by  himself  to  be  an  "  ecclesiastical  court  ? " 
and  does  he  not  define  such  a  court  to  be  one  met  for 
the  purpose  of  enacting  new  ecclesiastical  canons,  or 
of  executing  old  ones  ? 

To  this  fierce  and  angry  attack  upon  his  consist- 
ency, Alexander  Campbell  in  courtesy  replied,  but 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION.  81 

only  in  a  few  brief  notes.  Had  he  "been  conscious 
of  real  inconsistency,  no  one  would  have  been  readier 
frankly  to  acknowledge  it.  In  a  note  he  says  : 
"While  I  always  read  the  Cliristian  Baptist  with 
pleasure,  and  wonder  that,  written  when  it  was,  and 
amid  such  conflicting  circumstances,  it  has  so  long 
withstood  opposition,  yet  I  do  not  now,  nor  have  I 
ever  considered  it  as  invulnerable  in  some  points." 
Still  he  denies  that  upon  any  fair  construction  of  his 
writings  there  is  any  real  inconsistency  on  these 
points.  The  "  organizations,"  "  schemes,"  "  ecclesi- 
astical courts,"  "  missionary  crusades  of  rival  sec- 
taries," propagandism,  by  any  means,  of  false  views 
and  false  forms  Of  Christianity,  against  which  he 
so  earnestly  and  powerfully  exerted  his  fluent  and 
caustic  pen  in  the  Oliristian  Baptist  —  these  were 
not  the  co-operations  or  societies  which  he,  with 
equal  earnestness  and  force,  advocated  in  the  Har- 
hinger.  This  is  his  own  explanation  of  the  matter, 
and  who  shall  refuse  to  give  him  or  the  society  the 
benefit  of  it  ?  K  some  of  the  convention-gored  cor- 
respondents of  the  Christian  Baptist  mistook  their 
own  feelings  and  prejudiced  judgments  for  Alexander 
Campbell's  it  is  not  the  first  instance  of  the  over- 
heated partisans  of  a  great  reformer  misconceiving 
his  spirit  and  perverting  the  regulative  principles  of 
his  action.  All  candid  and  fair  thinkers  will  prefer 
to  let  Alexander  Campbell  explain  himself,  and  there 
can  be  no  mistake  as  to  what  that  explanation  is. 
It  has  been  made  in  words  and  deeds  that  shall  live 
in  the  admiration  of  a  missionary  church  when  the 

6 


82  CHKISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

cavils  and  criticisms  of  his  opponents,  "  in  contrast- 
ing the  Christian  Baptist  and  Millennial  Har- 
Mnger  "  shall  Ibe  adjudged,  as  he  pronounced  them, 
"  warring  against  a  chimera." 

It  is  a  little  remarkable,  and  quite  a  significant 
fact,  too,  that  while  the  opponents  of  our  missionary 
organization  are  so  fierce  against  human  authority, 
and  zealous  for  "  the  law  and  the  testimony,"  they 
are  yet  so  ready  to  fall  back  upon  the  authority  of 
the  week  preceding  the  advent  of  the  Hao'hinger, 
and  to  quote,  instead  of  a  "  thus  saith  the  Lord,"  a 
"thus  saith  the  Christian  Baptist !^^  Until  the 
seventeenth  century  the  ascent  of  water  in  the 
vacuum  formed  under  the  piston  of  a  suction  pump 
was  ascribed  to  "  nature's  abhorrence  of  a  vacuum." 
It  happened  that  some  engineers  at  Florence  were 
engaged  in  raising  water  in  this  way  to  an  unusual 
height,  when,  to  their  surprise,  they  found  that  it 
would  not  rise  higher  than  about  thirty-two  feet.  In 
their  perplexity  the  matter  was  referred  to  Galileo, 
who  replied,  perhaps  ironically,  "  that  nature's  ab- 
horrence of  a  vacuum  did  not  extend  higlier  than 
thirty-two  feet."  So  some  of  our  apostles  of  reform- 
ation orthodoxy  have  a  holy  horror  of  human  au- 
thority in  matters  of  faith  and  practice,  but  when 
we  object  that  they  still  quote  the  authority  of  the 
Christian  Baptist^  they  seem  to  assume,  I  wish  it 
were  ironically,  that  soundness  only  abhors  the  au- 
thority of  the  Harbinger ;  its  abhorrence  does  not 
extend  to  the  Christian  Baptist.  Perhaps  the  true 
solution  is  to  be  found  in  a  fact  which  Bro.  death 


CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY   CONVENTION,  83 

very  naively  lets  out — that  is,  that  they  wi'ote  some 
of  this  venerable  and  venerated  doctrine  themselves. 
It  would  be  quite  unnatural  for  nature  to  abhor  her- 
self. 

Our  attention  has  been  called  to  another  explana- 
tion which  has  been  offered,  in  generous  charity,  we 
must  presume,  of  this  assumed  inconsistency  of  the 
Christian  Baptist  and  the  Millennial  HarMnger. 
It  appeared  in  the  American  Cliristian  Remew,  and 
is  the  reckless  invention  of  a  correspondent  who  signs 
himself  B.  F.  Leonard.  "We  understand  his  true 
name  is  Leonard  F.  Bittle,  and  that  he  is  pastor,  or 
preacher,  perhaps  he  prefers  to  be  called,  of  our 
church  in  Somerset,  Pennsylvania.  He  writes  under 
a  false  name ;  has  introduced  himself  through  the 
Remew  to  our  brethren  in  a  false  relation  to  us ;  and, 
in  harmony  with  the  role  of  misrepresenting  himself, 
has  misrepresented  a  good  many  other  things  about 
which  he  has  volunteered  to  speak,  as  an  outside 
friend  and  observer.  He  has,  in  a  friendly  way,  dis- 
paraged us  generally,  but  Alexander  Campbell  and 
the  Missionary  Society  in  particular.  His  explana- 
tion of  Mr.  Campbell's  fellowship  with  this  latter 
offspring  of  the  apostasy  is,  that  in  his  old  age  he 
was  easily  influenced  by  his  friends,  and  through  the 
persuasion  of  "  unsound  "  advisers,  he  was  led  into 
this  great  mistake  of  his  life.  Unfortunately  for 
this  candid  and  friendly  outsider,  the  age  of  Alex- 
ander Campbell  at  this  time  is  known.  In  1842,  when 
he  commenced  the  vigorous  discussion  of  organiza- 
tion, etc.,  he  was  only  fifty-four  years  of  age,  and 


84  CHEISTIAN   MISSIOIS-S. 

from  tliis  time  to  the  formation  of  the  Missionary 
Society  and  years  afterward  he  produced  the  richest 
and  ripest  fruits  of  his  entire  life.  It  was  the  period 
of  the  founding  and  endowing  of  Bethany  College, 
of  the  Rice  debate,  of  his  visit  to  Europe,  and  other 
great  labors  of  the  press  and  the  pulpit ;  the  period, 
too,  of  all  his  great  popular  addresses.  What,  there- 
fore, can  be  more  absurd  and  recklessly  imaginative 
than  this  conceit  that  Alexander  Campbell  was  weak 
in  will  or  judgment,  when  he  gave  his  great  heart 
to  the  approval  and  advocacy  of  the  American  Chris- 
tian Missionary  Society. 

For  the  benefit  of  some  of  my  younger  brethren, 
who  are  here  at  this  anniversary,  and  as  a  grateful 
remembrance  to  us  who  are  older,  I  cannot  refuse 
myself  the  desire  I  feel  to  recall  the  names  of  those 
first  men  who  were  deemed  by  the  suffrages  of  two 
hundred  representatives  from  the  churches  worthy  to 
bear  upon  their  shoulders  this  ark  of  the  gospel  for 
the  conversion  of  the  world.  Alexander  Campbell, 
of  Bethany,  Ya.,  was  President;  and  there  were 
twenty  Yice-Presidents,  chief  men  among  the  breth- 
ren in  their  several  regions.  They  were :  David  S. 
Burnet,  Cincinnati ;  Dr.  Irwin,  Cincinnati ;  Walter 
Scott,  Pennsylvania ;  T.  M.  Allen,  Missouri  ;  W.  K. 
Pendleton,  Virginia ;  John  T.  Jones,  Illinois ;  John 
O.  Kane,  Indiana;  John  T.  Johnson,  Kentucky; 
Talbot  Fanning,  Tennessee ;  Dr.  Daniel  Hook,  Geor- 
gia ;  Dr.  E.  Parmley,  New  York  ;  Francis  Dungan, 
Baltimore ;  J.  J.  Moss,  Ohio ;  M.  Mobley,  Iowa ; 
William  Rowzee,  Pennsylvania  ;  Alexander  Graham, 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION.'  85 

Alabama;  and  William  Clark,  Mississippi.  Cor- 
responding Secretary,  James  Challen,  Cincinnati; 
Recording  Secretary,  George  S.  Jenkins  ;  Treasurer, 
Archibald  Trowbridge,  Cincinnati. 

Besides  these  there  were  twenty-five  Managers, 
viz:  T.  J.  Melish,  George  Tait,  S.  S.  Clark,  Dr.  B.  S. 
Lawson,  T.  J.  Murdock,  S.  H.  Hathaway,  Andrew 
Leslie,  Tlinrston  Crane,  C.  H.  Gould,  Dr.  N.  T  Mar- 
shall, R.  T.  Latimer,  James  Leslie,  Wm.  A.  Trow- 
bridge, John  Taffe,  all  of  Cincinnati;  and  Lewis 
Wells,  of  Covington.  The  rest  were  chosen  from 
other  and  distant  localities.  Samuel  Church,  Penn- 
sylvania ;  George  McManus,  Illinois ;  R.  L,  Coleman, 
Virginia;  Wm.  Morton,  Kentucky;  P.  S.  Fall,  Ken- 
tucky; Elijah  Goodwin,  Indiana;  S.  S.  Church, 
Missouri;  A.  Gould,  New  York;  Alexander  Hall, 
Ohio ;  and  J.  B.  Ferguson,  Tennessee. 

This,  take  them  as  a  group,  is  a  host  of  grand 
men  —  approved  of  God  and  honored  with  the  con- 
fidence of  the  people.  We  wish  we  had  time  to 
speak  of  them  individually  —  especially  those  who, 
as  we  call  the  army  roll,  answer  from  beyond  the 
river.  We  do  not  notice  Errett  and  Franklin  among 
them,  but  they  were  in  the  next  year — the  former 
as  a  Vice-President,  and  the  latter,  a  member  of  the 
Board.  But  Talbot  Fanning  has  dropped  out,  and 
the  earnest  missionary  man,  A.  S.  Hayden,  O.,  ap- 
pears on  the  roll.  In  the  beginning,  some  of  these 
brethren  were  elected  to  office  in  the  society  upon 
their  supposed  interest  in  its  welfare.  A  few  mis- 
takes were  made,  but  as  fast  as  they  were  ascer- 


86  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

tained,  from  year  to  year,  they  were  corrected,  and 
more  active  friends  introduced.  Thus  we  find,  in 
1853,  Dr.  L.  L.  Pinkerton,  John  Young,  James  M. 
Mathes  and  L.  H.  Jameson  among  the  Vice- 
Presidents  ;  and  John  A.  Dearlborn,  Geo.  W.  Bishop, 
R.  M.  Bishop,  W.  B.  Mooklar,  A.  B.  Green  and  Isaac 
Strickle,  among  the  Board.  Benjamin  Franklin,  too, 
has  been  promoted,  and  is  found  as  the  first  Vice- 
President  among  a  corps  of  twenty.  We  pass  down 
through  the  years  and  new  actors  appear  upon  the 
stage.  In  1854  we  recall  J.  B.  New,  Samuel  Rogers, 
Dr.  J.  Hopple,  W.  P.  Stratton,  John  D.  StiUweU,  B.  K. 
Smith,  William  Morton  and  John  I.  Rogers.  We 
must,  too,  deny  ourselves  the  temptation  to  come 
down  unto  the  nearer  years.  Men  as  true,  as  able, 
as  trusted  as  any  of  them,  were  added  from  year  to 
year,  but  we  cannot  name  them.  Suffice  it  to  say  the 
society  has  ever  been  in  the  hands  of  the  truest  and 
most-  representative  men  of  the  Disciples  in  the  en- 
tire United  States.  If  it  be  an  apostasy,  then,  I  ask, 
where  has  been  the  orthodoxy  of  the  Reformation, 
and  who  has  represented  it?  Our  chief  editors, 
writers,  educators,  ministers,  of  all  distinctions, 
officials  and  non-officials,  have  served  under  its 
appointment,  honored  it  by  their  advocacy,  and  sus- 
tained it  by  their  contributions. 

Look  at  this  body  of  men  —  this  host  of  evangeli- 
cal volunteers — marshaled  to  fulfill  the  Savior's 
orders  to  preach  the  gospel  to  every  nation.  There 
is  John  0.  Kane,  the  trumpet-voiced  evangelist ; 
James  M.  Mathes,  the  acute  and  vigilant  editor ;  John 


OHRISTIAif  mSSIONAKY   COKVEJSTTlOif.  87 

B.  New,  the  embodiment  of  ancient  order ;  George 
Campbell,  the  warm-hearted  exhorter;  Elijah  Good- 
win, the  "wise,  practical  preacher ; "  and  L.  H.  Jame- 
son, poet  and  sweet  singer  —  all  of  Indiana;  and 
who  shall  say  they  did  not  represent  the  piety,  the 
intelligence  and  the  soundness  of  the  brotherhood 
from  whom  they  came  ?  Was  Ohio  misrepresented? 
David  S.  Burnet,  himself  among  the  greatest  of  mis- 
sionaries—  an  orator,  a  gentleman,  and  early  and 
late,  zealous  in  all  that  contributed  to  the  growth 
and  piety  of  the  church — was  he  a  "blind  leader  of 
the  blind  ? "  The  Haydens,  mighty  in  the  Scriptures, 
persuasive  in  speech,  and  leaders  in  sacred  song,  and 
J.  J.  Moss  and  A.  B.  Green  and  B.  U.  Watkins,  all 
skillf 111  to  use  the  sword  of  the  Spirit  to  attack  or 
defend — were  they  untrue  to  our  primitive  plea  and 
perverters  of  the  law  according  to  the  Cliristian 
Baptist?  And  Benjamin  Franklin,  our  "Senior 
wrangler,"  the  scarred  veteran  before  whose  set 
lance  so  many  sectarians  have  fallen — was  he  in- 
clined to  Progressionism,  or  aspiring  to  be  a  secre- 
tary? Did  these  men,  early  famed  among  their 
people,  misrepresent,  or  mislead  Ohio  ? 

Time  would  fail  me  to  speak  of  J.  T.  Johnson,  the 
Chevalier  Bayard  of  the  pulpit  in  Kentucky  ;  the  de- 
vout Morton  ;  John  Smith,  logician  and  wit,  and  of  a 
conscience  for  veracity  that  would  not  compromise 
the  truth,  even  in  an  anecdote ;  and  P.  S.  Fall,  scholar' 
theologian  and  philosopher — have  there  been  braver, 
truer,  safer  and  sounder  men  among  us  than  these  ? 
And  were  they  not,  with  their  compeer,  George  W. 


88  CirRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

Elley,  pillars  and  sup]ports  of  the  Missionary  Society 
from  the  first?  When,  in  May,  1850,  these  grand  men, 
with  many  others,  their  peers  in  piety,  zeal  and 
earnest  foresight  in  matters  connected  with  the  pros- 
perity of  Zion,  met  in  Lexington  and  organized  "  the 
Kentucky  State  Meeting,"  with  a  'President,  Vice- 
President,  Secretary,  Treasurer  and  Board  of  Mana- 
gers," and  resolved  to  aid  by  their  co-operation  the 
General  Missionary  Society  at  Cincinnati,  did  they 
mean  to  betray  the  Disciples  of  Kentucky  into  the 
hands  of  an  ecclesiastical  court,  or  to  interfere  with 
the  proper  independence  of  the  churches  ? 

We  notice,  in  looking  over  the  minutes  of  this 
memorable  convention  of  the  generous-hearted  broth- 
erhood of  Kentucky,  that  Alexander  Campbell  was 
there,  and  he  thought  it  good  to  add  to  the  report  as 
made  out  by  Bro.  Kendrick,  a  beautiful  tribute  of 
his  own  to  the  venerable  Jacob  Creath,  Sr.,  who  was 
also  present  and  spoke  at  the  close  of  the  convention. 
You  will  pardon  me,  if  in  this  memorial  address,  I 
not  only  pause  to  notice  the  significant  fact,  but  also 
ask  you  to  listen  to  the  tender  words  in  which  one 
of  these  heroic  leaders  spoke  of  the  other :  "Though 
his  once  brilliant  eye  is  quenched  in  darkness,  and 
his  soul-subduing  voice  is  broken  into  weak  tones, 
still,  he  rises  in  his  soul  while  nature  sinks  in  years, 
and,  with  a  majesty  of  thought  which  naught  but 
heaven  and  hope  can  inspire,  he  spoke  to  us  a  few 
last  words,  which  so  enraptured  my  soul,  that  in  the 
ecstasy  of  feeling  produced  by  them,  when  he  closed 
there  was  silence  in  my  heart  for  half  an  hour ;  and 


CHKISTIAN   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION.  89 

when  I  recovered  myself,  every  word  had  so  passed 
away,  that  nothiiig  remained  bnt  a  melancholy  re- 
flection that  I  should  never  again  hear  that  most 
eloquent  tongue,  which  had  echoed  for  half  a  century 
through  nortliern  Kentucky  with  such  resistless  sway 
as  to  have  quelled  the  maddening  strife  of  sectarian 
tongues,  and  propitiated  myriads  of  ears  and  hearts 
to  the  divine  eloquence  of  almighty  love."  Oh,  ye 
murmuring  dyspeptics,  who  crouch  behind  fictitious 
names,  and  tremble  when  the  Lord's  hosts  are  in 
motion,  lest  they  should  trample  down  some  of  the 
little  hedges  which  you  have  been  so  carefully  and 
nervously  training  about  the  diffusive  spirit  of  the 
gospel — canyon  not  sit  for  half  an  hour  "with  silence 
in  your  hearts,  and  feel  how  great  a  work  it  is  to  "go 
into  all  the  world  and  preach  the  gospel  unto  every 
creature  ? " 

The  Missionary  Society  has  always  been  straight- 
ened for  means  to  carry  out  its  generous  designs.  For 
the  first  four  and  five  years  of  its  operations,  its 
receipts  ranged  from  about  three  to  four  thousand  dol- 
lars per  year.  In  1856  they  fell  to  something  under 
two  thousand  dollars.  I  believe  there  was  a  financial 
panic  that  year,  but  there  were  other  reasons.  Up 
to  that  time  we  had  not  dared  to  have  a  salaried 
officer,  and  though  we  had  had  a  corresponding  sec- 
retary in  name,  his  duties  were  not  defined  and  the 
society  had  not  authorized  the  board  to  affix  a  salary. 
In  1857  this  fatal  defect  was  remedied,  and  the  twelfth 
article  of  the  Constitution  inserted.  Benjamin 
Franklin  made  the  first  report  as  corresponding  sec- 


90  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

retaiy  under  this  new  arrangement.  C.  L.  Loos 
had.  been  appointed  by  the  society,  but  after  a  few 
months'  service,  being  called  to  the  Presidency  of 
Eureka  College,  he  resigned,  and  at  the  earnest  re- 
quest of  the  board,  Bro.  Franklin  accepted  the  office, 
and  labored  diligently  in  its  duties.  The  interest 
felt  in  the  society,  as  well  as  the  nature  of  the  preju- 
dice against  it  at  that  time  we  gather  from  his  report. 
He  says :  "That  there  is  a  decided  improvement  in 
the  heart  of  the  brotherhood  this  year  over  last,  in 
reference  to  the  missionary  cause,  is,  I  think,  as  evi- 
dent as  that  a  rapid  improvement  has  taken  place 
in  many  other  respects.  The  missionary  spirit  is  on 
the  increase.  We  must,  with  the  principles  we  hold, 
at  no  very  distant  period  become  a  great  missionary 
people.  But  there  has  been  a  strong  prejudice 
against  the  Missionary  Society.  This  we  have 
labored  to  counteract,  and,  I  think,  to  a  considerable 
extent  it  has  abated.  I  do  not  believe  there  is  now 
any  considerable  amount  of  prejudice  against  the 
society,  or  opposition  to  it,  any  place  where  there 
would  be  anything  of  consequence  done  for  it,  if  all 
prejudices  were  removed."  This  year  (1857)  the  re- 
ceipts were  nearly  double  those  of  the  preceding 
year.  The  following  year  the  society  called  to  its 
aid  our  incomparable  worker,  Isaac  Errett,  who 
accepted  the  secretaryship  only  upon  the  condition 
that  the  successful  pioneer  worker  in  missions.  Dr. 
J.  P.  Robison,  should  be  associated  with  him  in  the 
duties  of  the  office.  He  entered  upon  his  labors  in 
1858,  and  continued  to   serve  for  three  years.     The 


CIIEISTIAN    MISSIONARY    CONVENTION.  91 

receipts  ran  up,  tlie  first  year  of  Ms  management,  to 
$7,000,  and  in  1860  amounted  to  $16,000.  After  this 
tliey  fluctuated  alDont  a  considerably  lower  level,  and 
in  1869  —  when  the  Louisville  Plan  was  adopted  — 
they  stood  at  about  $8,000.  Under  this  plan  they 
have  been  still  further  diminished,  till  now  they  are 
scarcely  more  than  one-half  of  their  amount  in  1869. 
With  these  fluctuations  in  the  receipts  of  the 
society  there  has  been  a  corresponding  result  in  mis- 
sionary work.  The  Jerusalem  Mission  was  sustained 
till  1854,  when  the  civil  disturbances  of  the  country 
interrupted  it,  and  Dr.  Barclay  and  his  family 
returned  home.  In  1858  it  was  re-established,  and 
in  May  of  that  year  we  find  the  missionary  family 
again  on  their  way  to  Jerusalem.  But  this  mission, 
which  in  the  outset  excited  so  much  enthusiasm,  was 
destined  to  still  further  interruption.  In  1861  our 
desolating  civil  war  had  commenced.  True,  the 
treasury  of  the  society  reported  nearly  $6,000  of 
receipts  for  this  year,  and  an  unexpended  balance 
in  the  treasury  of  nearly  $4,300.  But  the  means 
devoted  to  this  mission  the  previous  year  were  fur- 
nished by  Virginia,  and  her  further  contributions 
being  cut  off  by  the  war,  Bro.  B.  was  informed  that 
the  mission  could  no  longer  be  continued.  Accord- 
ingly we  find,  that  by  a  letter  dated  the  11th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1861,  Bro.  Barclay  sends  in  his  resignation  to 
the  Board,  and  that  the  mission  is  ordered,  by  reso- 
lution of  the  society,  in  1862,  to  be  for  the  time 
discontinued.  It  has  never  been  revived.  The  Cor- 
responding Secretary,  Bro.  I).  S_  Burnet,  speaking  in 


92  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

Ms  report  of  1861,  of  tliis  mission,  says:  "During 
the  past  year  the  results  of  the  Jerusalem  Mission 
have  been  much  the  same  as  those  of  the  year  pre- 
ceding. The  field  is  as  sterile  as  the  rock  on  which 
Jerusalem  is  built." 

In  1858  the  Jamaica  Mission  was  established,  and 
on  the  twentieth  of  January  Bro.  J.  O.  Beardslee  and 
family  embarked  for  that  island.  He  continued  his 
labors  in  this  field  till  1864,  when  his  connection  with 
the  mission  ceased.  In  1866  he  resumed  his  charge, 
but  though  it  may  be  said  that  this  mission,  was,  all 
things  considered,  an  encouraging  success,  it  was 
finally  abandoned  for  the  want  of  means  on  the  part 
of  the  society  further  to  sustain  it. 

Interesting  as  it  might  prove,  we  cannot  enter 
upon  a  review  of  the  society's  operations  in  home 
missions.  We  conclude  our  reference  to  our  opera- 
tions in  foreign  fields,  with  a  feeling  of  sadness,  that 
on  this  twenty-fifth  anniversary  we  have  to  report, 
that  nowhere  in  all  the  wide  foreign  fields  destitute 
of  the  gospel,  have  we  to-day  a  single  herald  of  the 
cross.  Barclay  is  again  pleading  for  his  beloved 
Jerusalem  ;  Jamaica  is  stretching  out  her  hands  for 
help ;  and  since  the  untimely  death  of  Cross,  Liberia 
is  forgotten.  That  the  missionary  spirit  is  not 
dead  among  us,  this  vast  assembly  is  a  sufficient 
proof ;  that  missionary  work  is  not  provided  for  as 
it  once  was,  these  abandoned  missions  testify. 

Pardon  me  for  this  dull  recital  of  facts.  To  make 
them  short,  I  must  needs  give  them  dry.  You  may 
clothe  tliem  with  what  body  of  inference  it  pleaseth 


CHRISTIAN  MISSIONAKY   COJSVENTION.  98 

you.  I  have  recited  tliem  mainly  as  introductory  to 
a  few  words  about  the  Louisville  Plan.  This  plan, 
as  we  so  well  remember,  was  adopted  at  Louisville 
in  October,  18C9.  It  grew  out  of  the  wear  and  tear 
of  a  protracted  prejudice  against  the  organization  of 
the  society.  Bro.  Franklin's  assurance  in  1857,  when 
he  was  corresponding  secretary,  that  this  prejudice 
had  considerably  abated  under  his  counteracting 
labors,  justified  a  prophesy  that  the  society  would 
soon  rise  above  its  influence  altogether,  at  least  with 
all  who  did  not  plead  objections  as  a  cloak  for  their 
covetousness.  But  this  prophecy  had  proved  false. 
The  prejudice  still  murmured  against  us.  "  The 
organization  is  not  scriptural;  it  is  not  founded 
upon  the  churches.  It  is  in  no  organic  sense  rep- 
resentative of  the  churches."  These  objections  and 
inferences  from  them,  were  conscientiously  urged 
by  some,  and  with  much  severity  and  denuncia- 
tion by  others.  In  May,  1869,  the  society  held  a  semi- 
annual meeting  in  the  city  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri, 
and  here  the  effects  of  disagreement  on  this  great 
subject  were  painfully  felt  by  many  of  the  truest 
friends  to  missions  in  the  convention.  And  so  it 
came  to  pass  that  at  a  recess  in  the  sessions  for  din- 
ner, W.  T.  Moore  proposed  to  your  speaker  that 
we  should  take  a  walk  and  talk  this  matter  over.  The 
result  was  a  motion  before  the  convention,  offered  by 
Bro.  Moore,  to  refer  this  whole  matter  to  a  committee. 
The  resolution  read :  "That  a  committee  of  twenty  be 
appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  whole  ques- 
tion   of  evangelization,  and    report,  if  possible,  a 


94  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

scriptural  and  practical  plan  for  raising  nioney  and 
spreading  the  gospel ;  said  committee  to  report  at  the 
Louisville  meeting  in  October  next."  This  resolution 
was  adopted  by  the  society.  In  order  to  secure  the 
largest  measure  of  harmony  and  the  fullest  repre- 
sentation of  the  entire  brotherhood,  the  members 
of  this  committee  were  chosen  "with  the  most  careful 
consideration,  and  from  all  States  that  had  been  ac- 
tive in  their  interest  in  the  cause  of  missions.  In 
addition  to  this,  the  State  Missionary  Conventions 
were  requested  to  send  delegates  to  act  with  this 
committee  in  preparing  the  plan  sought  for. 

The  members  of  the  committee  of  twenty,  ap- 
pointed at  St.  Louis,  were  W.  T.  Moore,  Ohio ;  W.  K. 
Pendleton,  West  Yirginia ;  Alex.  Procter,  Missouri ; , 
"W.  A.Belding,  New  York  ;  R.  R.  Sloan,  Ohio;  Enos 
Campbell,  Illinois ;  T.  W.  Caskey,  Mississippi ;  Isaac 
Errett,  Ohio  ;  J.  C.  Reynolds,  Illinois ;  J.  S.  Sweeney, 
Illinois;  Joseph  King,  Pennsylvania;  Robert  Gra- 
ham, Kentucky ;  M.  E.  Lard,  Kentucky ;  G.  W.  Lon- 
gan, Missouri ;  Benjamin  Franklin,  Indiana;  W.  D. 
Carnes,  Tennessee ;  C.  L.  Loos,  "West  Virginia ;  J. 
S.  Lamar,  Georgia ;  and  A.  I.  Hobbs,  Iowa. 

The  delegates  appointed  by  State  Missionary  Con- 
ventions, to  act  with  this  committee,  were  A,  E. 
Myers,  West  Yirginia;  D.  R.  Dungan,  Nebraska; 
Winthrop  H.  Hopson,  Kentucky ;  C.  G.  Bartholo- 
mew, Indiana ;  A.  B.  Jones,  Missouri ;  W.  L.  Hay- 
den,  New  York;  Edmn  A.  Lodge,  Michigan;  0. 
Ebert,  Michigan;  N.  A.  Walker,  Lidiana;  I.  B. 
Grubbs,  Kentucky ;  S.  E.  Shepherd,  Ohio ;  P.  Blais- 
deU.  Massachusetts ;  and  J.  W.  Butler,  Illinois. 


CHKISTIAN  MISSIOISTARY  CON'VENTION.  95 

This  movement  was  made  in  the  most  sincere  and 
trustful  spirit  of  compromise.  It  was  a  sacrifice  on  the 
part  of  many  to  the  feelings  and  judgment  of  others, 
in  the  desire  to  satisfy  their  theoretical  objections 
and  to  conciliate  their  prejudices.  The  committee 
met  in  Louisville  and  spent  some  days  in  prepara- 
tion of  the  report,  after  having  had  the  matter  for 
months  before  under  personal  consideration  and 
advisement.  They  were  a  body  of  the  ablest  men 
amongst  us.  I  felt  strong  in  the  strength  of  our 
chiefs,  when  I  stood  among  them  in  council.  I  think 
we  realized  the  situation  and  felt  both  its  responsi- 
bility and  its  difficulty.  But  we  went  at  the  work 
prayerfully,  hopefully  and  courageously.  The  whole 
theory  of  the  plan  was  clearly  grasped,  and  every 
detail  was  analyzed,  criticised  and  adjusted,  till  the 
whole  stood  before  us  clear,  consistent,  scriptural 
and  satisfactory.  It  was  an  earnest  and  a  careful 
work.  I  shall  never  forget  the  labors  of  the  night 
which  you,  Bros.  Errett  and  Moore  and  Munnell  and 
myself  spent  on  it.  We  had  talked  it  all  over  and 
agreed  about  the  substance  of  it  in  committee  of  the 
whole,  when  it  was  referred  to  us  to  put  into  proper 
shape  and  order  and  expression.  We  had  only  a 
night  in  which  to  do  it.  We  met  in  an  upper  room 
of  the  hospitable  home  of  Winthrop  H.  Hopson, 
and  there  wrestled  all  night  for  the  inspiration 
and  the  wisdom  and  the  wit  which  we  needed.  Morn- 
ing came  and  with  its  light  the  end  of  our  toil  and 
counsel.  We  were  satisfied  and  bore  our  work  back 
to  the  committee — and  so  it  went  to  that  convention, 
the  grandest  we  have  ever  held. 


96  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

There  were  many  men  of  many  minds  waiting  for 
it  in  the  convention.  Some  —  many — anxious  and 
fearful  lest  the  production  of  a  "  scriptural  plan " 
had  proved  an  impossibility ;  some  satisfied  in  ad- 
vance that  it  was  impossible  and  prej)ared  to  prove 
it;  some  concurring  on  the  whole,  but  nervously 
watchful  about  particulars  ;  and  some — many  these 
were  —  confident  that  there  could  be  no  scriptural 
barrier  to  the  execution  of  the  Savior's  command  to 
preach  the  gospel,  and  prepared,  therefore,  to  wel- 
come a  triumj)hant  success.  And  it  was  a  triumph- 
ant success.  It  was  taken  ^^p  article  by  article, 
discussed  with  a  criticism  perfectly  exhaustive, 
and  with  a  unanimity  unparalleled  adopted  by  the 
convention.  We  felt  borne  up  as  on  the  divine 
strength  of  Christian  harmony,  and  when  man 
after  man,  from  whom  we  did  not  expect  an  open 
approval,  gave  in  his  consent,  and  at  last  the  hard 
to  please  and  harder  to  hold  veteran  editor  of  the 
Review  rang  out  his  verdict  that  it  was  scriptural, 
and  thanked  God  that  we  had  at  last  got  a  plan 
that  was  based  upon  the  people,  and  when  Bro. 
Moore  asked  him  if  he  too  would  not  sign  it,  an- 
swered "Yes,"  the  friends  of  missions  were  pro- 
foundly moved,  and  there  was  something  very  like 
a  murmur  of  applause  that  rustled  through  the  house. 
We  were  gratified  that  the  corresponding  secretary 
of  1857,  who  did  so  much  to  counteract  prejudice, 
and,  in  fact,  as  he  assured  us,  well-nigh  exorcised  it 
from  all  hearts  save  the  covetous,  but  who  had  in 
after  years  fallen  from  his  first  estate,  was  again 


CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY   CONVENTION.  97 

with  us,  converted  to  his  first  love  and  very  happy  in 
the  reconciliation.  If  he  has  since  again  shown  the 
usual  fickleness  of  passionate  and  impulsive  lovers, 
it  is  to  be  regretted. 

I  have  spoken  of  the  unanimity  with  which  the 
plan  of  the  committee  was  adopted  by  the  conven- 
tion. There  was  but  one  essential  modification,  and 
of  that  I  beg  you  will  indulge  me  with  a  word.  It 
was  made  in  the  eighth  article  of  the  report  of  the 
committee,  but  stands  in  the  seventh  section  of  the 
second  article  of  the  constitution.  It  was  introduced 
first  by  J.  W.  McGarvey,  but  adopted  in  the  form 
of  a  substitute  ofiered  by  Jacob  Burnet.  This 
section  may  be  called  the  financial  plank  in  our 
missionary  platform ;  and  in  looking  for  the  secret 
of  our  financial  failure,  here,  so  far  as  it  may  be 
accounted  for  in  the  plan,  is  the  place  to  find  it. 
I  merely  suggest  the  thought.  I  have  not  time  to 
prosecute  any  inquiry  about  it ;  but  I  hope  others 
vdll  give  it  the  attention  it  calls  for.  The  modifica- 
tion of  the  article  to  which  I  refer  has  reference  to 
the  distribution  of  contributions.  The  article  said 
that  "  one-half  of  said  contributions  may  be  under 
the  control  of  the  Dirtrict  Boards  for  missionary 
work  in  the  districts ;  the  other  half  to  be  sent  to  the 
State  Board,  to  be  divided  equally  between  it  and 
the  General  Board  for  their  respective  works."  The 
modification  added,  "  But  this  recommendation  is  not 
to  be  considered  as  precluding  a  different  disposition 
of  funds  when  the  church  contributing  shall  so  de- 
cide."   It  requires  but  little  perspicacity  to  see,  that 


98  CHKISTIAN   MISSIOIS-S. 

tills  addition  emasculates  the  article  of  all  its  practi- 
cal force,  as  a  rule  of  co-operation,  and  allows 
churches  to  come  into  the  organization  and  act  as 
members,  but  with  full  liberty  to  decline  any  share 
in  its  work.    And  hereto  we  invite  your  wisdom. 

Mr.  President  and  Brethren  in  Convention :  I  have 
trespassed  tediously  upon  your  patience.  Consider 
me  as  the  muse  of  history  straying  among  the 
monuments  of  twenty-five  years  of  our  missionary 
work,  and  excuse  me  if  I  have  not  been  able  to  give 
you  a  respectable  story  of  them  in  the  span  of  an 
hour.  I  have  given  you  the  ship's  reckoning,  that 
you  may  see  where  she  is,  what  seas  have  been 
sailed  over,  and  what  spread  out  yet  before  us.  You 
have  seen  some  of  the  men  that  launched  her,  and 
who,  through  the  years  and  amid  the  storms  and 
calms  of  her  course,  have  stood  upon  her  deck  steer- 
ing her  way  and  working  her  rigging,  hoping  and 
praying  through  the  long  night,  and  waiting  for  the 
dawn  of  morning.  If  I  had  been  compelled  to  speak 
of  the  rocks  against  which  she  has  sometimes  struck, 
remember  that  I  am  only  faithfully  reporting  the 
story  of  her  log  book ;  and  if  occasionally,  one  of  the 
crew  appears  in  mutiny,  remember  that  the  shame  is 
his  whose  is  the  deed — not  his  who  records  it.  Let 
us  turn  from  the  indifferent,  the  hostile,  and  the  false, 
and  rejoice  to-night  in  the  illustiiousroll  of  the  true 
that  have  fallen,  and  the  brave  who  are  yet  battling 
for  the  right ;  and  while  we  stand  upon  this  narrow 
isthmus  that  separates  the  verdicts  of  the  past  from 
the  duties  of  the  future,  let  us  lift  our  eyes  up  over 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONAKY   CONVENTION.  99 

the  wide  seas  yet  before  us,  and  spread  onr  sails  for 
the  farthest  shore  to  which  the  gospel  may  yet  be 
borne.  Let  us  push  our  prows  into  all  ports,  and 
wherever  there  is  a  people  "sitting  in  darkness  and 
the  shadow  of  death,"  let  the  shout  go  up,  bursting 
through  the  valleys  and  sounding  over  the  hills. 
"Ho,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the 
waters ;  and  he  that  hath  no  money,  come  ye,  buy 
and  eat;  Yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk,  without 
money,  and  without  price." — Isaiah  lv:l. 

It  were  easy  to  multiply  pages  from  the  pen  of 
Alexander  Campbell  in  harmony  with  those  given 
with  such  fullness.  But  these  selections  are  suffi- 
cient at  this  point.  "The  great  Christian  life  of 
Alexander  Campbell  presents  no  such  monstrous 
contradiction  as  a  life-long  consecration  of  his  own 
powers  and  labors  to  the  proclamation  of  the  gos- 
pel on  the  one  hand,  and  opposition  to  a  similar 
work,  through  the  co-operation  and  means  of  the 
brethren  at  large,  on  the  other.  And  with  him,  we 
may  say,  without  a  respectable  exception  agreed 
every  man  of  eminent  piety  and  devotion  to  the  gen- 
eral interests  of  the  church  among  ns."  * 

•  W.  K.  Pendleton  in  1866. 


CHAPTER  ITI. 
ORGANIZATIOIN"  1849-1883,  PROGRESS. 

'HE  "American  Christian  Missionary  Society" 
was  organized  in  October,  1849,  in  the  "Chris- 
tian Chapel,"  on  the  corner  of  Eighth  and 
Walnut  streets,  Cincinnati,  O. 
The  list  of  delegates  as  published  in  the 
minutes  of  the  meeting,  at  which  the  organization 
was  perfected,  embraces  155  names.  Among  them 
are  John  O'Kane,  Elijah  Goodwin,  George  Campbell, 
J.  B.  New,  Silas  W.  Leonard,  "William  P.  Stratton, 
James  Challen,  David  S.  Burnet,  John  T.  Johnson, 

A.  D.  Fillmore,  Dr.  L.  L.  Pinkerton,  John  Taflfe, 
Henry  T.  Anderson,   Dr.  James  T.  Barclay,  Robert 

B.  Fife,  Benjamin  Franklin,  Samuel  K.  Hoshour,  and 
Walter  Scott,  all  of  whom  have  passed  "  over  the 
river."  All  of  these,  excepting  Benjamin  Franklin, 
died  in  sympathy  with  the  society  which  they  helped 
to  form. 

Among  those  who  are  living  now,  whose  names 
appear  in  the  list  of  delegates  are  L.  H.  Jameson, 
J.  M.  Mathes,  George  W.  Rice,  T.  J.  Melish,  WiUiam 
B.  Mooklar,  Albert  Allen,  Winthrop  H.  Hopson,  Wil- 
liam C.  Bromwell,  Alexander  Hall,  B.  U.  Watkins, 
Isaac  N.  Carman,  R.  C.  Ricketts,  William  Begg,  J.  C. 

100 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY.  101 

T.  Hall,  W.  K.  Pendleton,  J.  J.  Moss,  John  Darst, 
J.  H.  Lockwood,  Jonas  Hartzel,  C.  L.  Loos,  C.  Ken- 
drick,  T.  J.  Murdock,  and  William  Pinkerton.  Of 
these  only  George  W.  Rice  and  C.  Kendrick,  appear 
to  be,  at  this  time,  the  enemies  of  the  institution 
which  they  helped  to  create.  T.  J.  Melish  is  now  an 
Episcopal  minister ;  and  Isaac  N.  Carman  is  preach- 
ing for  the  Baptists. 

These  delegates  represented  one  hundred  and 
twenty-one  churches,  one  co-operation  of  churches 
in  Indiana,  and  one  annual  state  meeting  in  the 
States  of  Indiana,  Ohio,  Kentucky,  Missouri,  Illi- 
nois, Virginia,  Georgia,  Michigan,  Louisiana,  and 
Pennsylvania. 

The  meeting  was  the  result  of  a  "call"  which  had 
been  informally  issued  some  time  previously.  Alex- 
ander Campbell  in  the  Millennial  Harbinger  for 
1849  said :  "  We  will  concur  with  the  brethren  in  the 
call  of  a  general  meeting  in  Cincinnati,  Louisville, 
or  Pittsburg." 

In  a  later  issue  of  the  Millennial  Harbinger  for 
1849  Mr.  Campbell  said :  "I  am  of  the  opinion  that 
a  convention  or  general  meeting  of  the  churches  of 
the  Reformation  is  a  very  great  desideratum.  Nay, 
I  will  say  further  that  it  is  all  important  to  the  cause 
of  Reformation.  *****  -^^  The  purposes  of 
such  a  primary  convention  are  already  indicated  by 
the  general  demand  for  a  more  efficient  and  scrip- 
tural organization  —  for  a  more  general  ^nd  efficient 
co-operation  in  the  Bible  cause,  in  the  Missionary 
cause,  in  the  Education  cause." 


102  CHEISTIAIS"    MISSIONS. 

The  editor  of  the  Cliristian  Intelligencer  also 
said:  "We  are  very  anxious  that  there  shall  be  a 
general  meeting  of  the  Disciples,  and  whether  the 
meeting  shall  be  held  at  this  place  or  that,  is  a  matter 
of  secondary  imj)ortance.  Let  the  brethren  from  the 
different  parts  of  the  United  States  come  together, 
cultivate  each  others  acquaintance,  and  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord  consider  the  welfare  of  Zion,  and  the 
means  and  measures  to  be  employed  in  extending 
the  boundaries  of  the  Messiah's  Kingdom." 

To  these  suggestions  of  the  Cliristian  Intelli- 
gencer, Mr.  Campbell  gave  his  hearty  assent.  This 
"  call"  brought  together  a  large  number  of  delegates 
from  the  churches  of  the  different  States. 

Of  the  character  of  the  meeting  David  S.  Burnet, 
who  presided  in  the  absence  of  Mr.  Campbell,  says : 
"  Our  meeting  has  been  a  happy  and  profitable  one. 
It  was  characterized  by  great  union  of  counsel,  of 
feeling  and  of  action.  The  spirit  of  order  and  peace 
and  love  have  reigned  in  our  midst,  in  sweet  concord 
with  the  'spirit  of  power.'  We  have  never  had  such 
a  meeting,  though  we  have  had  many  that  were 
happy  and  useful.  This  was  general  in  its  attend- 
ance, and  in  its  objects,  wliile  others  have  been  but 
local  in  both.  The  woild-Avide  field  of  labor  was  be- 
fore the  representatives  of  a  young  and  great  people. 
They  felt  the  importance  of  their  position.  Their 
responsibility  was  laid  before  the  great  Head  of  the 
church,  and  his  direction  and  blessing  were  sought 
with  many  prayers.  •*■***  There  was  an  im- 
posing grandeur  in  such  temporary  communion  of 


CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY   SOCIETY.  108 

saints.  It  was  a  cycle  in  their  eartMy  period.  Many 
were  together  for  the  first  and  last  time,  till  the 
meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  and  Church  of  the 
First-Born. 

It  was  like  the  greeting  of  Jacob  and  the  angel  at 
the  gate  of  heaven ;  and  like  that  meeting,  it'  was  in- 
terpreted as  full  of  promise  of  preservations  and 
victories  to  the  true  Israel  of  God.  It  was  a  meeting 
never  to  be  forgotten.  The  facts,  the  speeches,  the 
spirit,  the  acts  of  these  brethren  were  indelibly 
daguerreotyped  upon  all  minds ;  and  when  many 
other  traces  of  time  have  been  obliterated  from  the 
memory,  these  life-sketches  will  remain  in  aU  their 
freshness.  "What  was  seen,  heard  and  felt,  during 
the  convention  was  worth  a  life  dhectorship. 

The  social  and  religious  feelings  are  more  valuable 
to  us  than  silver  and  gold.  One  such  religious  week 
is  worth  more  to  us  than  years  of  unsanctified  social 
enjoyment. 

Not  less  important  is  the  cultivation  of  the 
benevolent  feelings.  Every  human  breast  has  a  per- 
ennial reservoir  of  good  will,  ever  ready  to  burst 
forth  in  kind  offices  at  the  instance  of  a  fitting  occa- 
sion ;  and  that  occasion  is  the  concurrence  of  religious 
tendencies  and  the  forcible  presentation  of  suitable 
objects  on  which  to  exercise  it.  This  convention 
was  pre-eminently  characterized  by  this  concuirence. 
Here  we  had  no  dogmas  to  discuss,  oppose  or  con- 
demn ;  no  abracadabra  was  to  be  generated  in  an 
ecclesiastical  crucible,  to  break  the  spiritual  chills 
of  any  forms  of  popular  error   among  our  fellow 


104  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

Christians.  The  haniiony  of  our  sessions,  therefore, 
was  disturlDed  by  neither  snarlers  nor  the  concision. 
The  passions  slept  while  the  affections  kept  their 
vigils.  The  love  of  the  brotherhood,  the  love  of  all 
men  controlled  our  hearts.  The  feeling  of  the  assem- 
bly was  a  sublime  reflection  of  the  love  which  bled 
for  man  on  the  cross,  and  proposed  an  all-sufficient 
remedy  for  their  woes  in  the  provisions  of  the  apos- 
tolic commission." 

Such  was  the  view  taken  of  this  first  convention 
of  the  Disciples  of  Christ,  by  David  S.  Burnet,  one 
of  the  silver-tongued  orators  of  the  Reformation,  who 
was  then  only  in  his  forty-second  year. 

W.  K.  Pendleton,  now  the  silver-haired  President 
of  Bethany  College,  then  a  young  Professor  in  the 
same  institution,  thirty-one  years  of  age,  wrote  to 
the  Millennial  Harhinger,  concerning  the  meeting, 
as  follows :  "  We  had  the  pleasure  of  attending  as 
one  of  this  large  and  respectable  assembly  of  breth- 
ren. "We  met,  not  for  the  purpose  of  enacting 
ecclesiastical  laws,  nor  to  interfere  with  the  true  and 
scriptural  independence  of  the  churches,  but  to  con- 
sult about  the  best  ways  of  giving  efficiency  to  our 
power,  and  to  devise  such  methods  of  co-operation 
in  the  great  work  of  converting  and  sanctifying  the 
world,  as  our  combined  counsels,  under  the  guidance 
of  Providence  might  suggest  and  approve. 

There  are  some  duties  of  the  church,  which  a  single 
congregation  cannot,  by  her  unaided  strength,  dis- 
charge. For  certain  ends,  two  or  three  congregations 
often  combine  their  means,  and  thus,  by  a  mutual 


CHKISTIAN  MISSIONARY   SOCIETY.  105 

co-operation,  effect  that  wMcli  no  one  alone  could 
have  accomplished.  Sometimes  all  the  churches  in 
a  county,  a  district,  or  even  a  State,  send  up  tlieir 
messengers  to  consult  about  and  co-operate  in  enter- 
prises, benevolent  and  obligatory,  which  concern  the 
common  welfare  and  the  extension  and  prosperity 
of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ. 

But  a  broader  and  more  general  co-operation  than 
all  these  may  be  demanded,  and  then  a  general 
convention  may  be  called  and  a  universal  co- 
operation entered  into.  Such  appeared  to  be  the 
natui'e  of  the  subjects  which  engaged  the  convention 
held  in  Cincinnati,  and  we  were  more  than  gratified 
to  witness  the  large  number  of  messengers  in  at- 
tendance. More  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  names 
were  enrolled,  and  nearly  or  quite  as  many  churches 
were  represented.  It  was  an  interesting  occasion, 
and  the  deep  earnestness  which  pervaded  the  body 
during  the  long  sessions  of  four  successive  days, 
showed  that  it  was  regarded  as  a  solemn  convoca- 
tion on  the  great  and  sublime  concerns  of  the  Chris- 
tian Kingdom.  A  primary  object  being  to  devise 
some  scheme  for  a  more  effective  proclamation  of 
the  gospel  in  more  destitute  places,  both  at  home 
and  abroad,  the  convention  took  under  considera- 
tion the  organization  of  a  missionary  society." 

Others  wrote  in  the  same  generous  and  hopeful 
strain  concerning  this  meeting.  Everything  was 
finally  accomplished  with  heartiness  and  great  una- 
nimity. It  was  a  meeting  of  earnest  and  thoughtful 
men,  some  of  them  great  men,  and  all  of  them  at 


106  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

that  time,  of  one  mind  concerning  the  necessity  of 
co-operation  for  the  sake  of  the  progress  of  the 
Kingdom  of  God. 

They  clearly  discriminated  between  the  work  to 
be  done  and  the  method  of  doing  it ;  between  the 
divine  gospel  which  was  to  be  carried  into  all  the 
world  and  the  working  machinery  by  which  the  work 
was  to  be  accomplished. 

The  message  to  be  carried  was  from  God ;  but  the 
messengers  to  carry  it  were  to  be  men.  The  message 
was  divine  wisdom ;  but  the  machinery  by  wliich  it 
was  to  be  carried  into  all  the  world  was  to  be  of 
human  wisdom  and  device. 

Mr.  Campbell,  when  he  heard  what  had  been  done, 
was  greatly  pleased  and  wrote  as  follows  :  "  Denied 
the  pleasure  of  having  been  present  on  this  interest- 
ing occasion,  by  an  unusually  severe  indispostion,  I 
am  peculiarly  gratified  with  the  great  issues  of  de- 
liberation. Our  expectations  from  the  convention 
have  been  more  than  realized.  We  are  much  pleased 
with  the  result,  and  regard  it  as  a  very  happy  pledge 
of  good  things  to  come.  The  unanimity,  cordiality, 
and  generous  concurrence  of  the  brethren  in  all  the 
important  subjects  before  them,  was  worthy  of  them- 
selves and  the  great  cause  in  wliich  they  are  all 
enlisted.  Enough  was  done  at  one  session,  and 
enough  to  occupy  our  energies  for  some  time  to  come. 
Bible  disti'ibution  and  evangelical  labor — two  tran- 
scendent objects  of  Christian  effort  most  essential  to 
the  conversion  of  the  world  -^  deserve  at  our  hand  a 
very  cordial  and  generous  support.  We  may  ration- 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY.  107 

ally  anticipate  from  the  indications  afforded  during 
the  session,  that  they  will  be  liberally  patronized 
and  sustained  by  all  the  brotherhood.  The  sugges- 
tions deferentially  submitted  to  all  the  brotherhood 
for  their  concurrence  and  action  in  reference  to  the 
necessity  and  importance  of  periodically  meeting, 
in  given  districts,  large  or  small,  as  the  case  may  be, 
for  consultation  and  practical  effort  in  the  advocacy 
of  the  cause  in  all  their  localities,  must,  we  think, 
meet  the  approbation  of  all  the  intelligent  and  zeal- 
ous brethren  and  churches  everywhere;  and  we 
doubt  not  will  give  great  efficiency  to  the  labors  of 
evangelists  in  these  districts." 

In  speaking  further  concerning  the  Christian  Bi- 
ble Society,  the  Christian  Tract  Society,  and  the 
American  Christian  Missionary  Society,  Mr.  Camp- 
bell said :  "  These  societies  we  cannot  but  hail  as 
greatly  contributing  to  the  advancement  of  the 
cause  we  have  been  so  long  pleading  before  God 
and  the  people.  There  is,  indeed,  nothing  new  in 
these  matters,  but  simply  the  organized  and  general 
co-operation  in  all  the  ways  and  means  of  more 
energetically  and  systematically  preaching  the  gos- 
pel and  edifying  the  church. 

We  have  always  been,  more  or  less  commending 
and  sending  abroad  the  Bible,  and  sustaining  evan- 
gelists in  their  missions  to  the  world.  But  we  have 
never  formally  and  by  a  generous  co-operation,  sys- 
tematically assumed  the  work.  Union  is  strength 
and  essential  to  extensive  and  protracted  success. 
Hence,  our  horizon,  and  with  it  our  expectations,  are 
greatly  enlarged." 


108  CHRISTIAN    MlSSIOi^S. 

These  are  the  carefully  considered  and  expressed 
words  of  the  religious  giant  of  the  nineteenth  cen- 
tury. They  are  the  wisdom  of  one  who  felt  the 
responsibilities  of  the  eminent  position  he  occupied 
in  the  School  of  Christ.  They  sound  very  unlike  the 
utterances  of  the  more  modern  would-be  "ark-bearers 
of  the  Lord "  who  assume  to  have  charge  of  Mr. 
Campbell's  religious,  literary,  and  logical  remains, 
and  speak  of  the  society,  which  he  so  sympatheti- 
cally endorsed,  and  of  which  he  was  for  so  long  the 
President,  as  "a  growing  ecclesiasticism,"  and  as 
"a  despotism  fastened  upon  the  independent  churches 
of  Jesus  Christ." 

MINUTES  OF  THE  FIRST  MEETING. 

The  minutes  of  the  meeting  under  consideration 
are  very  interesting.  They  reveal  facts.  In  the 
preliminary  organization  of  the  meeting,  and  before 
entering  upon  its  business  sessions,  numerous  ques- 
tions of  order  were  settled.  This  was  essential  to 
the  harmonious  conduct  of  the  business  which  came 
before  it. 

Prominent  among  those  who  participated  in  the 
discussion  of  questions  were  Jasper  J.  Moss,  T.  J. 
Melish,  Elijah  Goodwin,  John  T.  Johnson,  R.  G.  Fife, 
B.  U.  Watkins,  Walter  Scott,  L.  L.  Pinkerton,  W.  K. 
Pendleton,  and  John  O'Kane. 

The  Committee  on  Order  of  Business  was  made  to 
consist  of  Walter  Scott,  Henry  D.  Palmer,  Wm.  Mor- 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY.  109 

ton,  John  T.  Powell,  Samuel  Churcli,  A.  S.  Gould, 
Newton  Short,  Samuel  J.  Pinkerton,  and  Richard 
Hawley. 

In  making  their  first  report,  Walter  Scott,  the 
Chairman,  said  that  the  Committee  had  divided  the 
business  into  three  departments,  viz :  (1)  Evangelical 
matters.  (2)  Ecclesiastical  questions.  (3)  Miscella- 
neous matters.  Following  out  this  general  order 
such  resolutions  as  the  following  were  offered  and 
discussed  with  great  earnestness  : 

'''■Resolved,  That  every  properly  accredited  Chris- 
tian evangelist  and  elder  of  a  Christian  chiirch 
present,  or  that  may  be  present,  be  by  virtue  of 
their  office,  invited  to  a  seat  with  us,  as  members  of 
this  convention." 

This  resolution  was  discussed  with  ability  and 
finally  laid  on  the  table  because,  as  R.  G.  Fife  of  Mis- 
souri, expressed  it,  it  would  if  adopted  "virtually 
destroy  the  equality  of  the  churches."  Thus  the  bud 
of  clerical  assumption  and  domination  was  early 
nipped.  It  appears  that  the  churches  of  that  early 
day  had  suffered  from  preachers  of  bad  character. 
The  following  resolution  was  offered: 

'"'■  Resolved,  That  this  convention  recommend  to 
our  churches,  not  to  countenance  as  a  preacher,  any 
man  who  is  not  sustained  and  acknowledged  by  two 
or  more  churches." 

This  resolution,  after  much  discussion  was  laid 
on  the  table ;  but  subsequently  renewed  in  the  fol- 
lowing form: 


110  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

"Whereas,  It  q,ppears  that  the  cause  of  Chris- 
tianity has  suffered  from  the  imposition  of  false 
brethren  upon  the  churches,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  respectfully  recommend  to  the 
churches  the  propriety  and  practical  importance  of 
calling  in  the  aid  of  the  presbyteries  of  their  neigh- 
boring sister  churches,  in  ordaining  such  persons  as 
they  may  desire  to  send  out  as  evangelists." 

This  preamble  and  resolution  furnished  the  occa- 
sion for  the  exceedingly  interesting  and  spirited  dis- 
cussion, which  followed  their  introduction.  William 
Begg,  of  Indiana,  thought  the  resolution  highly  neces- 
sary ;  John  G.  Tompkins,  of  Kentucky,  declared  that 
if  he  "  were  appointed  an  evangelist  by  any  church 
he  would  go  out  in  defiance  of  all  the  churches  in 
the  world ; "  L.  H.  Jameson,  of  Indiana,  was  fearful 
that  it  "might  be  the  entering  wedge  to  further 
abuses;"  William  Morton,  of  Kentucky,  " favored 
the  resolution ; "  C.  Kendrick  thought  the  resolution 
"unscriptural ; "  Dr.  L.  L.  Pinkerton  thought  that 
the  resolution  contemplated  "a  great  matter  of  fun- 
damental importance ; "  John  T.  Johnson  thought 
the  recommendation  should  be  regarded  "  simply  as 
an  expediency,  as  a  request  and  not  a  mandate  ; " 
Walter  Scott  declared  the  design  of  the  resolution 
to  be  "  not  to  have  a  greater  authority  for  the  ordi- 
nation, but  merely  to  secure  greater  influence;" 
John  O'Kane  contended  that  "the  evangelist  was  not 
an  officer  of  a  single  congregation,  but  a  general 
officer ; "  John  Young,  of  Kentucky,  thought  the 
meeting  "was  not  competent  to  act  on  the  question;" 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY    SOCIETY.  Ill 

George  Cainp"bell  was  decidedly  in  favor  of  the  reso- 
lution. He  denied  that  there  was  "  a  single  instance 
in  the  "New  Testament  of  a  single  church  ordaining 
or  sending  forth  an  evangelist ; "  W.  K.  Pendleton 
contended  that  "  no  single  congregation  had  a  right 
to  send  out  an  officer  whose  duties  pertained  to  the 
whole  church ; "  the  "  liberty  of  a  congregation  was 
nothing  more  than  a  liberty  to  attend  to  the  internal 
affiairs  of  itself." 

^\.fter  a  lengthy  discussion  the  resolution  was 
modified  so  as  to  read : 

'■'■  Resolced^  That  we  recommend  to  the  churches 
the  importance  of  great  care  and  rigid  examination, 
before  they  ordain  men  to  the  office  of  evangelist," 
and  the  preamble  and  resolution  were  adopted. 

The  following  resolution  was  offered  by  C.  Ken- 
drick,  then  of  Kentucky,  and  adopted  without 
debate : 

'■^Resolted,  That  this  convention  earnestly  recom- 
mend to  the  congregations  to  countenance  no  evan- 
gelist who  is  not  well  reported  of  for  piety  and  proper 
evangelical  qualifications,  and  that  the}^-  be  rigid 
and  critical  in  their  examination  of  such  report." 

The  convention  also  took  action  in  reference  to 
Sunday-schools.  It  appears  that  the  brethren  in 
Ohio  had  already  made  an  "effort  to  get  up  a  Sunday- 
school  library."  A  special  committee  on  Sunday- 
schools  was  formed,  consisting  of  Elijah  Goodwin, 
Walter  Scott,  H.  D.  Palmer,  James  Challen,  William 
Morton,  John  Young,  W.  K.  Pendleton,  George 
Campbell,  William  Davenport,   and  D.   S.  Burnet. 


112  CHKISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

After  consideration  the  committee  presented  the  fol- 
lowing report,  which  was  unanimously  adopted : 

"Whereas,  The  organization  of  Sunday-schools, 
in  all  the  churches  is  of  the  highest  importance ;  and 

Whereas,  The  judicious  instruction  of  children 
cannot  be  effected  without  a  wise  and  prudent 
regard  to  the  character  of  the  books  which  may  be 
employed;  and 

Whereas,  The  very  laudable  enterprise  of  the 
brethren  in  Ohio  on  this  subject  has  been  submitted 
to  this  convention,  therefore 

Resolved,  That  we  strongly  recommend  to  the 
churches  the  duty  and  importance  of  organizing  and 
establishing  a  Sunday-school  in  every  congregation. 

Resolved,  That  this  convention  recommend  to  the 
Christian  Tract  Society  of  Cincinnati,  to  become  the 
society  of  the  brotherhood  at  large,  and  that  this  con- 
vention appoint  a  committee  of  twenty-five  on  pub- 
lication of  the  Sunday-school  library  and  that  such 
committee  form  a  part  of  the  Executive  Board  of  the 
Tract  Society. 

Resolved,  That  the  funds  now  in  the  hands  of  the 
brethren  of  Ohio  for  a  Sunday-school  library  be 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Tract  So- 
ciety, to  be  held  sacred  to  the  publication  of  a 
Sunday-school  library." 

During  the  sessions  of  the  convention,  which  lasted 
for  four  days,  there  were  presented  and  acted  upon 
fifty-eight  different  resolutions,  indicating  that  "  the 
fathers"  were  as  good  at  "resolving"  as  their  chil- 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY.  113 

dren ;  and  that  the  art  of  "making  resolutions"  is  not 
entirely  a  modern  invention. 

The  Committee  on  Nominations  was  composed  of 
John  O'Kane,  of  Indiana  ;  H.  D.  Palmer,  of  Illinois  ; 
William  Morton,  of  Kentucky ;  Dr.  J.  T.  Barclay,  of 
Virginia ;  R.  G.  Fife,  of  Missouri ;  J.  J.  Moss,  of  Ohio ; 
Walter  Scott,  of  Pennsylvania ;  Richard  Hawley,  of 
Michigan;  S.  J.  Pinkerton,  of  Georgia;  and  John 
Meade,  of  Louisiana.  After  due  consideration  the 
committee  recommended  the  following  persons  as 
officers  and  managers  of  the  society,  for  the  period 
fixed  by  the  constitution,  viz :  President^  Alexan- 
der Campbell,  Bethany,  Ya ;  Vice-Presidents,  D. 
S.  Burnet,  Dr.  Ii'win,  Walter  Scott,  Thomas  M.  Allen, 
W.  K.  Pendleton,  John  T.  Jones,  John  O'Kane,  John 
T.  Johnson,  Talbot  Fanning,  Dr.  Daniel  Hook,  Dr. 
E.  Parmley,  Francis  Dungan,  Richard  Hawley,  Dr. 
James  T.  Barclay,  Francis  Palmer,  J.  J.  Moss,  M. 
Mobley,  Wm.  Rowzee,  Alexander  Graham  and 
William  Clark.  Corresponding  Secretary,  James 
Challen,  Ohio;  Recording  Secretary,  George  S. 
Jenkins ;  Treasurer,  Archibald  Trowbridge. 

The  following  Board  of  Managers  was  elected  to 
manage  the  home  interests  of  the  new  Society :  T. 
J.  Melish,  George  Tait,  S.  S.  Clark,  Dr.  B.  S.  Lawson, 
T.  J.  Murdock,  H.  Hathaway,  Lewis  Wells,  Thurs- 
ton Crane,  C.  H.  Gould,  Dr.  N.  T.  Marshall,  R.  J. 
Latimer,  James  Leslie,  Andrew  Leslie,  W.  A  Trow- 
bridge and  John  Tafie.  At  the  time  of  their  election 
all  of  these  persons  lived  in  or  near  Cincinnati. 

8 


114  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

Besides  the  Board  of  Home  Missions,  a  Board  of 
Managers  for  Foreign  Missions  was  chosen,  consist- 
ing of  Samuel  Church,  R.  L.  Coleman,  Elijah  Good- 
win, S.  S.  Church,  Alexander  Hall,  Greorge  McManus, 
Wm.  Morton,  Philip  S.  Fall,  Alexander  Gould,  and 
Jesse  B.  Ferguson.  Not  all  of  the  persons  named 
in  this  official  list  were  present  at  the  convention, 
though  nearly  all  of  them  were  present,  and  it  was 
believed  that  those  who  were  not  there  were  in 
hearty  sympathy  with  the  object  for  which  the  con- 
vention was  called. 

The  most  important  action  taken  by  the  conven- 
tion, was  the  adoption  of  a  constitution  for  the  new 
society.  The  committee  "  to  draft  a  constitution  for 
a  Missionary  Society,"  was  appointed,  consisting  of 
John  O'Kane,  John  T.  Johnson,  H.  D.  Palmer,  Wal- 
ter Scott,  John  T.  Powell,  and  L.  L.  Pinkerton. 

After  mature  deliberation  this  committee  reported 
through  their  Chairman,  John  O'Kane,  the  following 
draft  of  a  constitution.  As  this  constitution  pos- 
sesses a  historic  interest,  it  is  given  in  full,  as  it 
came  from  the  hands  of  the  committee,  and  not  as  it 
was  finally  adopted  by  the  convention 

CONSTITUTION. 

Aet.  T. — ^This  Society  shall  be  called  the  Chris- 
tian Home  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society. 

Aet.  n. — The  object  of  this  Society  shall  be  to 
promote  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  in  this  and 
other  lands. 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   SOCIETY.  115 

Art.  m. — The  Society  shall  be  composed  of  an- 
nual delegates,  Life  Members  and  Life  Directors. 
Any  church  may  appoint  a  delegate  for  an  annual 
contribution  of  ten  dollars.  Twenty  dollars  paid  at 
one  time,  shall  be  requisite  to  constitute  a  member 
for  life  ;  and  one  hundred  dollars  paid  at  one  time, 
or  a  sum  which  in  addition  to  any  previous  contribu- 
tion, shall  amount  to  one  hundred  dollars,  shall  be 
required  to  constitute  a  director  for  life. 

Art.  IV. — The  officers  of  the  Society  shall  be  a 
President,  nine  Vice-Presidents,  a  Treasurer,  a  Cor- 
responding Secretary,  and  a  Recording  Secretary, 
whom  the  Society  shall  annually  appoint  by  ballot. 

Art.  V. — The  officers  and  Life  Directors  shall 
meet  immediately  after  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
Society,  and  elect  fifteen  managers,  residing  in  the 
city  of  Cincinnati  or  its  vicinity,  who,  together  with 
the  Treasurer,  shall  constitute  an  Executive  Board  to 
conduct  the  business  of  the  Society ;  and  shall  re- 
spectively continue  in  office  until  superceded  by  a 
new  election.  Five  members  of  the  Board  shall  con- 
stitute a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

Art.  VI. — The  Executive  Board  shall  have  power 
to  appoint  its  own  meetings ;  elect  its  own  chairman 
and  recording  secretary  ;  enact  its  own  by-laws  and 
rules  of  order,  provided  always,  that  they  be  not  in- 
consistent with  the  constitution ;  fill  any  vacancies 
which  may  occur  in  their  own  body,  or  in  the  offices 
of  the  Society  during  the  year;  and  if  deemed  nec- 
essary by  two-thirds  of  the  members  present  at  a 
regular  meeting,  convene  official  meetings  of  the  So- 


116  CHRISTIAK   MISSIONS. 

ciety.  They  shall  establish  such  agencies  as  the 
interest  of  the  Society  may  require,  appoint  agents 
and  missionaries,  fix  their  compensation,  direct  and 
instruct  them  concerning  their  particular  fields  and 
labors,  make  all  appropriations  to  be  paid  out  of 
the  treasury,  and  present  to  the  Society  at  each  an- 
nual meeting,  a  full  report  of  their  proceedings  dur- 
ing the  current  year. 

Art.  Vn. — All  moneys  or  other  property  contribu- 
ted and  designated  for  any  particular  missionary 
field  shall  be  so  appropriated,  or  retui'ned  to  the 
donors  or  their  lawful  agents. 

Art.  VIII. — The  Treasurer  shall  give  bonds  to 
such  an  amount  as  the  Executive  Board  shall  think 
proper. 

Art.  IX. — The  Society  shall  meet  annually  at  Cin- 
cinnati, on  the  Wednesday  after  the  third  Lord's 
day  of  October. 

Art.  X. — The  proposition  of  no  person  applying 
for  an  appointment  under  the  Executive  Board,  shall 
be  entertained,  unless  such  person  shall  present  a 
written  recommendation,  signed  by  the  official  mem- 
bers of  at  least  four  churches  located  in  the  vicinity 
of  his  residence. 

Art.  XI. — No  alteration  of  this  constitution  shall 
be  made  without  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 
present  at  an  annual  meeting ;  nor  unless  the  same 
shall  have  been  proposed  at  a  previous  annual  meet- 
ing, or  recommended  by  the  Executive  Board. 

The  foregoing  is  the  original  di-aft  of  the  constitu- 
tion, as  presented  to  the  Society  for  its  adoption. 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY    SOCIETY.  117 

Ou  motion  by  J.  J.  Moss,  of  Ohio,  it  was  considered 
article  by  article  and  finally  adopted  with  great 
unanimity,  as  found  in  Chapter  XIX.  of  this  book. 
The  name  American  Christian  Missionary  So- 
ciety was  presented  by  James  Challen,  and  on  his 
motion  adopted.  The  constitution  as  finally  adopted, 
remained  in  force,  with  more  or  less  modification  of 
some  of  its  articles,  for  twenty  years,  or  until  Octo- 
ber, 1869,  when  the  society  changed  both  its  name 
and  working  basis ;  and  became  the  General  Chris- 
tian Missionary  Convention,witli  its  accompanying 
constitution.  For  the  constitution  adopted  in  1869, 
see  Chapter  XIX.  of  this  book. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE  GROWTH  OF  THE  MISSIONARY 
IDEA. 

ENERAL  co-operation  for  clmrcli  work  among 
a  people  devoted  to  Congregationalism  as 
their  chnrch  polity  is  not  easily  effected ;  and 
especially  if  individual  and  congregational 
independency  receives  an  extreme  advocacy. 
The  work  of  the  Disciples  from  the  beginning,  has 
Ibeen  two-fold  in  its  character :  (1)  To  bring  sinners 
to  the  "  only  name  among  men  and  under  heaven, 
whereby  they  must  be  saved ; "  (2)  and  the  removal 
of  what  appeared  to  them  to  be  religious  obstruc- 
tions to  that  work.  Hence,  they  preached  Christ 
and  opposed  sectarianism  with  about  equal  vigor. 
They  stoutly  insisted  on  faith,  repentence  and  bap- 
tism in  their  proper  order  and  for  their  j)roper  pur- 
pose; but  they  fought  the  "sects"  with  no  less 
pertinacity.  The  growth  of  the  co-operative  idea 
among  themselves,  even  for  business  purposes,  has 
been  a  slow  growth.  They  who  had  escaped  from 
the  thralldom  of  sectarianism  were  horrified  continu- 
ally with  the  specter  of  denominationalism  and 
ecclesiasticism  arising  out  of  any  general  co-operation 

118 


GKOWT.i   Ui"  THE   MISSIONARY   IDEA.  119 

for  any  purpose.  Such  extreme  views  as  are  found 
in  the  following  paragraph,  had  their  advocates 
among  the  editors  of  Disciple  newspapers : 

"  The 'point  I  make  is  not  that  your  society  siTis, 
but  it  is  a  sin,  and  necessarily  sins,  and  exists  only 
to  the  dishonor  of  God,  in  the  depreciation  of  the 
church,  and  brings  evil  to  men  by  calling  their  atten- 
tion away  from  God's  appointments  and  institu- 
tions, and  directing  their  love  and  service  to  a  device 
of  men?"* 

It  was  not,  therefore,  until  1849  that  any  were  "bold 
enough  to  strike  out  for  a  thorough  and  general  co- 
operation for  preaching  the  gospel.  In  that  year  a 
sufficient  number  were  of  "one  mind"  long  enough  to 
organize  the  American  Christian  Missionary  Society. 
Each  succeeding  year  the  Board  of  Managers  made 
a  report  through  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the 
society.  These  successive  reports  are  revelations  — 
they  reveal  the  facts  and  incidents,  the  labor  and 
its  visible  results,  of  the  year's  campaign ;  but  they 
also  reveal  the  "ups  and  downs  "  of  the  co-operative 
idea  among  the  Disciples,  and  the  tremblings  of 
heart,  the  uncertainties,  and  the  real  obstructions  in 
the  line  of  its  progress. 

David  S.  Burnet  in  1849,  wrote  as  follows  concern- 
ing the  newly  organized  Bible,  Tract,  and  Missionary 
Societies :  "  These  several  enterprises,  brethren,  are 
thrown  into  the  bosom  of  the  church  of  God,  to  be 
nourished  'as  a  nurse  cherisheth  her  children.'  The 
hour  of  our  associated  strength  has  arrived,  the  hour 
which  shall  demonstrate  our  union  to  be  more  than 


120  CHRISTIAN    MISSION^S. 

uniformity  of  sentiment,  a  oneness  of  mind,  and  of 
effort  arising  from  the  nature,  power  and  exaltation 
of  tlie  holy  ti'uth  believed.  This  year  is  to  prove  us. 
It  will  be  decisive  of  our  character  and  our  destiny. 
The  spirit  which  we  shall  now  exhibit  will  be  the 
augury  of  our  fate." 

In  1850  James  Challen  in  an  address  before  the 
society  said :  "  The  cause  of  missions  is  the  cause 
of  God.  It  is  the  chief  instrumentality  in  the  propa- 
gation of  the  gospel.  We  may  differ  in  respect  of 
the  ways  and  means,  but  all  Christians  admit  that 
by  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  men  are  to  hear,  be- 
lieve and  be  saved.  *  *  ^  *  jj^  view,  then,  of 
these  wants  of  our  own  country,  new  zeal  and  energy 
must  be  awakened,  a  scheme  of  evangelical  effort 
commensurate  with  the  work  to  be  accomplished 
must  be  devised.  And  greater  self-denial,  and  a 
wider  spirit  of  benevolence  should  be  awakened 
among  us." 

The  report  of  the  Board  for  1850  contained  this 
language :  "  The  past  year  has  been  one  of  prepara- 
tion for  the  work  before  us.  We  have  been  chiefly 
engaged  in  surveying  the  field  and  gathering  the  re- 
sources and  selecting  the  men  to  do  the  work.  We 
have  had  many  difiiculties  to  encounter,  some  oppo- 
sition to  meet,  some  prejudices  to  allay,  and  much 
apathy  and  luke-warmness  to  encounter." 

In  his  annual  address  in  1853  Alexander  Camp- 
bell uttered  these  sentiments :  "The  missionary  insti- 
tution is  the  genuine  product  of  the  philanthrophy  of 
God  our  Savior.      It  is  the  natural   offspring  of 


GEOWTH   OF   THE   MISSIONARY   IDEA.  121 

almighty  love  shed  abroad  in  the  human  heart ;  and, 
therefore,  in  the  direct  ratio  of  eoery  Chrlatlari's 
love,  lie  is  possessed  of  a  missionary  spirit.  *  *  * 
This  Christian  Missionary  Society,  my  beloved  breth- 
ren, we  trust  originated  in  such  conceptions  as  these, 
and  from  having  tasted  that  the  Lord  has  besn  gra- 
cious to  us  in  giving  to  us  a  part  of  his  own  church, 
a  name  and  a  place  in  that  divine  institution,  which, 
in  his  mind,  far  excels  and  outstrips  all  the  callings, 
pursuits  and  enterprises,  in  this  our  fallen  and  be- 
wildered world." 

In  1855  Walter  Scott  delivered  the  annual  address 
before  the  convention,  and  in  its  conclusion,  in  de- 
fense of  the  society,  he  said :  "  Finally  let  us  remem- 
ber that  our  Reformation  is  eminently  synthetical  in 
its  aims — reconstruction ;  and  that  while  home  efforts 
are  carried  out  by  town,  city,  county,  district  and 
state  organization,  our  efforts  in  behalf  of  a  common 
humanity  call  also  for  a  place  on  which  the  whole 
brethren  may  take  their  stand. 

I  interpret  our  societies,  therefore,  as  being  only  a 
stand-point  for  the  Disciples  when  they  would  con- 
sult for  the  general  cause,  or  would  discuss  great 
questions  involving  in  some  common  duty  the  com- 
bined powers  of  the  entire  profession.  Like  our 
county,  district  and  state  conventions,  they  are  col- 
lateral and  voluntary,  yet  of  excellent  use  in  great 
measures  ;  and  to  consult  with  each  other  is  itself  a 
great  measure." 

In  1856  the  report  of  the  Board  is  tinged  with 
gloom.    D.  S.  Burnet  read  the  report.    Unexpected 


1'22  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

and  violent  opposition  to  the  society  had  prevailed. 
The  report,  therefore,  says :  "  There  seems  to  be  a 
general  want  of  concert,  which  is  truly  alarming. 
Our  district  and  state  organizations,  hereabouts, 
have  felt  the  same  withering  influence,  and  have 
neither  gathered  nor  expended  funds  to  any  con- 
siderable amount.  *  *  *  There  is  much  differ- 
ence of  sentiment  in  regard  to  our  Foreign  Mission- 
ary enterprise.  Some  persons  seem  to  forget  the 
aggressive  character  of  our  holy  religion. 

They  forget  the  word  "  go "  in  the  commission. 
Their  mind  is  riveted  upon  "  tarry  ye."  The  church 
was  both  to  "go"  and  "tarry,"  and  certain  it  is 
that  if  we  send  many  yet  many  more  would  tarry. 
The  tarrying  is  done  now.  The  sending  and  the 
going  must  be  done  also,  to  meet  the  conditions  of 
our  implied  contract — a  contract  implied  in  the 
divine  commission  under  which  we  labor,  and  under 
which  we  ourselves  were  saved.  *  *  *  There 
exists  among  many  of  our  people  a  very  inadequate 
idea  of  the  dignity  and  importance  of  our  mission- 
ary organization.  In  Israel  every  man  does  what  is 
right  in  his  own  eyes." 

In  1857  Benjamin  Franklin  read  the  report  of  the 
Board.  Concerning  the  condition  of  things  that  year 
he  says :  "  It  has  been  an  exceedingly  difficult  year 
to  raise  funds.  About  as  soon  as  the  produce  of  this 
year  began  to  come  into  market  the  general  de- 
rangement and  embarrassment  in  business  spread 
throughout  the  country.  This  has  had  much  effect 
upon  the  Society.    Though  it  is  generally  conceded 


GROWTH   OF  THE  MISSIONARY   IDEA.  123 

that  the  words  "charity  begins  at  home,"  are  not 
scripture  of  divine  authority  or  sanctioned  by  sound 
reason,  men  generally  act  upon  them.  K  they  are 
a  little  pressed  for  means,  they  let  the  General  Mis- 
sionary Society  go ;  if  a  little  more  pressed  they 
let  the  State  Missionary  Society  go ;  next  the  church 
goes."  On  the  financial  question  he  further  says : 
"An  effort  was  made  in  the  General  Missionary 
meeting  at  Macomb,  Illinois,  to  induce  the  churches 
to  have  stated  periods  to  contribute  for  the  mission- 
ary work.  The  opinion  appeared  unanimous,  that 
if  any  course  could  be  pursued  by  which  the  mat- 
ter could  be  brought  before  every  church,  at  stated 
periods,  and  contributions  made  for  the  purpose, 
there  would  be  no  lack  of  funds.  An  effort  of  the 
same  kind  has  been  made  in  the  Kentucky  State 
Missionary  Society.  I  have  advocated  this  in  the 
prints,  and  wherever  I  have  gone,  and  hoped  that  we 
would  be  able  to  induce  some  general  action.  I  am 
still  inclined  to  the  opinion  that  if  our  public  men 
will  give  a  little  attention  to  this,  they  can  in  a  short 
time,  induce  general  and  regular  contribution.  The 
trouble  is,  and  has  been,  that  we  have  no  general 
and  regular  action.  What  is  done  is  done  by  a 
few,  and  the  multitudes  do  not  do  anything." 

In  reference  to  the  opposition  to  the  Missionary 
Society  he  says  :  "  The  missionary  spirit  is  on  the 
increase,  just  in  proportion  as  the  general  interests 
in  the  cause  of  Christ  is  on  the  increase.  We  must 
with  the  principles  we  hold,  at  no  distant  period, 
become  a  great  missionary  people.     But  there  has 


124  OHEISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

been  strong  prejudice  against  the  missionary  society. 
This  we  have  labored  to  counteract  and,  I  think,  to 
a  considerable  extent  it  has  abated.  I  do  not  believe 
there  is  now  any  considerable  amount  of  prejudice 
against  the  society,  or  opposition  to  it,  any  place 
where  there  would  be  anything  of  consequence  done 
for  it,  if  all  prejudices  were  removed.  But  it  is  not 
enough  that  there  be  no  prejudice  against  a  society 
of  this  kind.  Before  it  can  succeed,  there  must  be 
an  interest  in  its  favor  sufficient  to  induce  brethren 
to  contribute  for  its  support.  I  believe  that  with  the 
general  unanimity  which  now  exists  in  reference  to 
the  society,  with  anything  like  a  persevering  effort, 
something  respectable  will  be  accomplished." 

In  1858  the  report  of  the  Board  was  read  by  Isaac 
Errett.  There  is  a  glow  of  warmth  and  light  per- 
vading the  report:  "The  Executive  Board  take 
great  pleasure  in  stating  that  it  has  been  a  year  of 
encouraging  progress  in  missionary  enterprise.  The 
reports  of  previous  years  bore  witness  to  much  of 
the  trembling  uncertainty,  and  discouragement  bor- 
dering on  despair,  which  are  apt  to  belong  to  the 
infancy  of  great  movements.  Hitherto  the  mission- 
ary projects  among  us  have  partaken  largely  of  the 
character  of  an  experiment ;  and  have  had  the  dis- 
advantage of  the  doubts  and  fears  which  are  in- 
separable from  the  season  of  probation.  They  have 
lacked  the  prestige  of  great  success,  and  the  mis- 
sionary cause  has  been  comj)elled  to  rely  on  the 
faith  of  the  brotherhood  for  support — a  faith,  at  the 
best,  but  as  a  grain  of  mustard  seed,  and  with  the 


GROWTH   OF   THE   MISSIONARY   IDEA.  125 

great  mass  dwindling  into  utter  nothingness.  But 
it  is  in  the  midst  of  the  trials  and  conflicts  incident 
to  such  an  infancy  that  every  good  cause  gathers 
strength.  *  *  '-^  Although  the  past  year  has 
been  one  of  severe  commercial  paralysis  and  pecun- 
iary embarrassment — greatly  interfering  with  be- 
nevolent effort — ^it  is  gratifying  to  announce  that  the 
receipts  into  the  treasury  have  more  than  doubled 
over  the  most  prosperous  of  former  years  ;  and  that 
the  openings  for  missionary  enterprise  have  been  such 
as  to  authorize  the  prompt  employment  of  all  the 
funds  at  our  disposal." 

In  an  address  which  followed  this  report  Mr.  Errett 
said :  "We  are  only  beginning  to  work ;  and  I  see 
no  good  reason  why  we  should  not  in  a  few  years 
have  fifty  thousand  dollars  per  annum  flowing  into 
the  treasury  of  the  missionary  society.  I  am  satis- 
fied from  the  experiments  of  the  past  year,  that  the 
theme  of  missions  is  one  of  the  most  animating  and 
potent  that  can  be  employed  to  wake  our  brother- 
hood to  a  nobler  spiritual  life.  I  have  seen  it  in  very 
feeble  hands,  mowing  down  prejudices  ^vith  tremen- 
dous sweep — melting  icebergs — recalling  the  wander- 
ing—  making  the  devout  still  more  joyfully  devout, 
and  enlarging  the  hearts  of  all  into  more  generous 
purposes.  It  brings  us  directly  into  fellowship  with 
Christ.  Sectionalism  and  fanaticism  skulk  away 
into  darkness  from  the  majesty  of  this  great  theme, 
embracing  in  its  grasp  the  world's  redemption." 

The  report  of  the  Board  for  1859  closes  with  these 
words :  "Your  Board  would  express  the  hope  that  as 


126  CHEISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

tills  society  has  not,  and  desires  not  to  have,  any 
ecclesiastical  authority  whatever,  and  cannot,  there- 
fore, be  legitimately  disturbed  with  questions  of  doc- 
trine, or  of  discipline,  or  themes  of  local  or  sectional 
interest,  there  may  ever  be  found  in  our  midst  the 
harmony  and  fellowship  which  the  doctrine  of  the 
cross  is  calculated  to  inspire,  so  that  we  may  "stand 
fast  in  one  spirit  with  one  mind,  striving  together 
for  the  faith  of  the  gospel." 

The  report  of  1860  was  exceedingly  jubilant  and 
hopeful.  Such  sentences  as  these  are  scattered  all 
through  it:  "It  is  a  pleasing  task  to  watch  the  strug- 
gles and  development  of  a  successful  enterprise." 
"We  congratulate  the  brotherhood  on  the  peaceful 
close  of  another  year  of  uninterrupted  and  enlarged 
prosperity.  The  current  of  success  has  been  disturbed 
by  scarcely  a  ripple  on  the  surface.  There  is  hardly 
enough  of  adversity  to  mellow  the  prosperities  of  the 
year.  There  is  so  much  of  unmixed  good  in  our  lot, 
that  if  we  are  not  very  thankful  and  very  humble, 
and  very  benevolently  responsive  to  the  goodness  of 
our  God,  we  can  scarcely  dare  to  hope  for  equal 
tokens  of  favor  in  time  to  come." 

"The  unpleasant  memories  of  recent  annoyances 
of  bigoted  ecclesiasticisms  made  many  brethren 
fearful  of  dangerous  tendencies  in  all  associations 
for  religious  purposes.  But  we  are  now  learning  to 
dismiss  these  fears,  and  are  striving,  not  without 
success,  to  present  to  the  religious  world  the  specta- 
cle of  a  harmonious  Christian  brotherhood,  governed 
only  by  the  laws  of  Christ,  wlio  unite  in  benevolent 


GROWTH   OF   THE   MISSIONARY    IDEA.  127 

enterprise,  undisturbed  by  the  discussion  of  ques- 
tions of  doctrine  or  discipline :  Jesus — ^his  cross,  his 
gospel,  and  his  kingdom  —  supplanting  all  theologi- 
cal speculations  and  all  party  ambitions." 

The  report  of  1861  was  read  by  D.  S.  Burnet.  It 
was  a  year  of  great  trial  to  the  society,  and  the 
brightness  of  the  year  preceding  had  given  way  to 
an  almost  universal  gloom.  The  clouds  of  civil  war 
were  rent  by  the  lightnings  of  inflamed  passions  and 
the  great  guns  filled  with  shotted  death  were  thun- 
dering on  many  a  hard-fought  battle-field.  Notwith- 
standing all  this  the  report  showed  a  gain  of  1,871 
additions  to  the  church,  by  the  agencies  the  society 
was  able  to  keep  in  the  field,  making  the  spiritual 
results  of  the  year  compare  most  favorably  with 
other  years,  though  the  finances  of  the  society  were 
seriously  abridged. 

In  1862  the  report  of  tlie  Board  is  closed  as  follows: 
"While  the  fields  whiten  for  the  harvest  on  every 
side  at  home,  and  the  nations  abroad  are  more  than 
ever  accessible  to  the  true  missionary;  while  both 
shores  of  t).e  Pacific  cry  as  Macedonia  did  'Come 
over  and  help  us ';  while  China  and  Russia  echo  the 
demand,  and  all  the  world  seem  waiting  for  the  gos- 
pel, alas  for  us !  we  are  unable  to  go  up  and  possess 
the  land  and  put  in  the  sickle.  The  heart  sickens, 
for  to  be  weak  is  to  be  miserable.  The  present  and 
prospective  status  of  our  finances  forbids  the  recom- 
mendation of  new  missions.  If  possible,  we  should 
hold  the  ground  we  now  possess,  and  waste  nothing 
by  the  extension  of  our  lines." 


128  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

In  1863  the  Board  was  confronted  with  the  questions, 
"What  advantage  hath  the  American  Christian  Mis- 
sionary Society  ?"  "  And  what  profit  is  there  of  such 
an  association?"  To  these  questions  the  Board  through 
D.  S.  Burnet  gave  rej)ly :  "  Much  every  way.  Our 
State  and  district  organizations  do  not  now  occupy 
all  their  territory,  nor  will  they  for  a  long  time  to 
come ;  and,  therefore,  at  intervals  we  have  employed 
successful  labor,  within  the  boundaries  of  each  of 
them,  in  entire  harmony  with  their  several  opera- 
tions. And,  further,  the  capital  of  older  communities 
is  always  demanded  by  the  newer  ones  to  carry  on 
their  fiscal  operations,  whether  of  trade  or  church 
extension.  Therefore,  new  countries  are  always  the 
theatres  of  missions  and  are  by  all  considered  the 
legitimate  ground  of  Christian  enterprise  and 
friendly  competition  among  religious  parties.  The 
new  States  and  the  territories  are  the  Macedonia  of 
the  nineteenth  century,  crying  to  our  society,  'Come 
over  and  help  us  ! '  Nor  is  this  all.  The  wide,  wide 
world  is  before  us  —  a  moral  waste,  a  valley  of  dry 
bones,  awaiting  the  breath  of  Christianity  and  the 
fervor  of  the  divine  love  which  it  inspires,  to  awake 
and  live.  The  church  which  aims  to  execute  the 
commission  of  the  Great  Deliverer,  and  go  into  all 
the  world  to  preach  the  gospel  in  its  simplicity  to 
every  creature,  has  no  voice  but  the  preaching  of  the 
American  Christian  Missionary  Society,  which  can  be 
heard,  like  the  mute  argument  of  the  planetary  world, 
'unto  the  ends  of  the  earth.'  Indeed,  a  system  of  in- 
dependent Congregationalism  like  ours,  needs   the 


GROWTH   OF   THE   AIISSIOjSTARY   IDEA.  129 

centralism  of  massive  attraction  and  diiafusion — at- 
traction to  the  great  work  of  the  Messianic  commis- 
sion, and  the  diffusion  of  its  power  thus  concentrated, 
in  ministrations  of  love  to  the  farthest  verge  of  hu- 
man society.  For  all  such  purposes,  this  society  is 
the  hand,  the  tongue,  the  voice,  the  heart  of  the  great 
brotherhood.    We  have  no  other  point  of  contact." 

In  1864  the  report  was  read  by  B.  W.  Johnson. 
The  great  question  before  the  Board  and  before  the 
convention,  was  the  financial  question.  During  the 
year  several  financial  agents  had  been  employed  by 
the  Board.  Among  the  number  was  John  F.  Rowe, 
who  in  his  report  to  the  Board  made  the  following 
statements :  "A  number  of  churches  have  agreed  to 
support  the  society  by  sending  in  quarterly  contribu- 
tions, and  many  more  will  do  the  same.  By  visiting 
the  churches  for  the  next  year,  explaining  the  objects 
of  this  society,  I  have  no  doubt  that  a  permanent 
basis  for  great  good  in  the  future  will  be  laid.  A 
continual  and  untiring  efibrt  should  be  made  to  teach 
the  necessity  of  systematic  beneficence,  co-operation 
and  concentration  of  labor." 

The  Board  said :  "  The  importance  of  quarterly 
collections  in  every  congregation  cannot  be  over- 
estimated. It  enables  all  to  give.  The  widow  can 
cast  in  her  mite,  the  rich  man  his  abundance.  *  *  * 
While  the  Board  would  ui-ge  a  continued  effort  to 
secure  church  co-operation,  they  would  not  advise  an 
abandonment  of  the  system  of  memberships  and 
individual  donations.  There  need  be  no  conflict 
between  the  two  systems.    *    *    *    Many  of  our 

9 


130  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

wisest  and  best  "brethren  have  long  believed  that  it 
would  give  increased  efficiency  to  our  efforts  in  the 
gospel,  to  establish  a  closer  financial  union  between 
the  national  and  state  societies.  Confusion  often 
arises  from  the  separate  appeals  for  the  missionary 
cause ;  and  some  have  deemed  it  desirable  that  such 
an  arrangement  should  be  entered  into  that  no  refer- 
ence would  be  paid  to  state  lines  and  sectional 
divisions,  which  are  unknown  to  the  map  of  the 
Savior's  Kingdom  ;  and  that  a  certain  portion  of  the 
secured  funds  should  be  devoted  to  the  home  work, 
while  another  fixed  proportion  be  devoted  to  general 
missions." 

In  1865  the  report  was  read  by  O.  A.  Burgess  the 
Corresponding  Secretary  for  a  portion  of  that  year. 
The  Board  had  experienced  the  usual  difficulty  in 
interesting  and  inspiring  the  church  generally  in 
missionary  matters,  and  with  missionary  zeal. 
Hence,  they  say :  "  The  whole  heart  of  the  brother- 
hood must  be  reached,  and  that,  too,  by  the  individ- 
ual interest  which  you  as  individual  members  must 
feel  and  take,  not  here  in  convention  but  at  your 
homes ;  and  not  when  you  first  go  home  from  here, 
acting  under  the  inspiration  of  a  little  fresh  zeal, 
but  all  the  time  and  everywhere  during  the  whole 
year,  with  continued  zeal  and  energy  and  persistent 
effort  until  not  only  every  church  in  all  the  land 
knows  all  about  the  American  Christian  Missionary 
Society;  but  every  individual,  male  and  female, 
black  and  white  in  every  church,  feels  it  both  a  duty 
and  a  privilege  to  contribute  according  to  the  means 
with  which  God  has  blessed  them." 


GEOWTH   OF   THE   MISSIONARY   IDEA.  131 

The  report  for  1866  was  presented  loj  John  Shackle- 
ford.  The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  report : 
"  Inasmuch  as  the  annual  report  of  the  Board  of  the 
American  Christian  Missionary  Society,  gives  only  a 
small  amount  of  the  work  accomplished  by  us  as  a 
religious  body,  we  would  respectfully  request  the 
state  societies  to  furnish  annually  a  full  account  of 
the  evangelical  labors  performed  in  their  respective 
states  that  it  may  be  incorporated  in  the  general 
report  of  the  American  Christian  Missionary  Society, 
thus  showing  the  results  of  our  combined  efforts  in 
the  various  missionary  fields  occupied  by  us." 

In  1867  the  Board  said :  "  We  have  relied  more 
this  year  than  any  former  year,  on  church  contribu- 
tions, for  the  means  to  carry  forward  the  great  enter- 
prise, and  our  experience  constrains  the  belief,  that 
if  the  churches  would  accept  the  missionary  work  as 
a  covenant  work,  and  co-operate  systematically  and 
faithfully  in  its  prosecution,  a  new  and  unparalleled 
era  of  labor  and  triumph  could  be  inaugurated,  and 
the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God,  be  borne  to  the  ends 
of  the  habitable  earth.  Such  co-operation  we  esteem 
the  great  need  of  the  churches  that  their  united 
power  may  be  felt,  not  only  in  their  own  localities, 
but  among  the  poor  and  sorrowful  and  benighted 
throughout  the  world.  We  cannot  too  earnestly  urge 
on  each  friend  of  the  missionary  society,  in  each 
church,  the  duty  of  working  in  some  practical  way, 
to  give  the  movement  vitality  and  strength." 

In  the  report  of  the  Board  for  1868  the  following 
sentiments  are  emphasized :    "  The  experience  of  this 


132  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

year  only  confirms  the  testimony  of  past  years — tlie 
necessity  of  systematic  contributions  on  the  part  of 
the  brethren  and  all  the  churches.  The  Board  are 
deeply  anxious  for  the  complete  success  of  this  mis- 
sionary enterj)rise  and  are  willing  to  carry  out  any 
honorable  plan  of  work  which  promises  better  re- 
sults than  those  already  reached.  A  great  and  de- 
termined movement  is  now  demanded.  We  must  go 
forward.  The  reasons  are  manifest:  First,  it  is 
necessary  for  our  own  life.  Second,  the  condition  of 
of  our  fellow-men  appeals  to  us  as  Christians  for 
help.  Third,  the  examples  of  others  should  move 
us.  Fourth,  Christ  desires  us  to  carry  on  this  work. 
Let  us  determine  not  to  abandon  the  effort  to  unite 
the  Disciples  in  a  great  missionary  movement." 

In  1869  came  the  first  report  of  Thomas  Munnell, 
the  great  convention  at  Louisville,  and  the  "Louis- 
ville Plan."  Including  that  year,  for  nine  successive 
years  Thomas  Munnell  presented  the  annual  report 
of  the  Board.  No  man  ever  worked  more  unceas- 
ingly and  faithfully,  than  lie  did,  for  the  success  of 
the  society.  From  his  annual  reports  the  following 
instructive  extracts  are  made :  1869  —  "  The  closing 
missionary  year  has  been  one  of  counsel — deep, 
earnest  and  prayerful.  It  has  also  been  a  year  of 
work  and  much  solicitude  on  the  part  of  the  Board. 
*  *  *  If  nothing  else  was  done  during  the  year 
but  the  unifying  of  public  sentiment  and  the  gather- 
ing together  of  this  great  convention,  willing  to 
sacrifice  any  and  every  personal  preference  for  the 
general  good,  the  Board  would  feel  that  no  greater 


GROWTH   OF  THE  MISSIONARY   IDEA.  133 

work  had  ever  iDeen  done  in  any  year  of  our  mis- 
sionary history."  1870— After  speaking  of  the 
measure  of  success  attained  by  the  use  of  the 
"  Louisville  Plan,"  against  all  the  difficulties  in  its 
way,  the  report  says  :  "  Notwithstanding  all  this, 
our  confidence  in  final  and  complete  success  is  com- 
plete and  unabated.  The  good  providence  of  God 
that  has  helped  us  through  all  the  embarrassments 
of  twenty  years  past  will  not  forsake  us  in  the  midst 
of  those  that  are  to  come.  We  feel  that  the  present 
enterprise  is  not  a  transient  one.  We  are  working  for 
centuries." 

1871  —  "We  consider  that  our  whole  missionary 
work  is  carried  on  with  remarkable  economy.  No 
one  is  receiving  a  dollar  except  those  who  are  every 
day  engaged  in  the  ministry.  No  financial  agents 
are  employed,  as  this  work  is  added  to  the  work  of 
the  missionaries.  The  only  expense  incurred  is  that 
of  traveling,  postage  and  printing,  for  the  support  of 
our  evangelists  can  in  no  other  sense  be  counted  as 
expense  than  the  support  of  the  home  ministry." 

1872 — "We  have  worked  with  a  courage  undaunted, 
and  a  will  unconquered  by  difficulty^  We  have 
sought  to  please  God  and  do  our  duty ;  and  with  an 
ardent  desire  for  your  future  growth  in  all  the  ele- 
ments of  a  powerful  missionary  body,  we  return  to 
you  the  charge  committed  to  our  hands." 

1873  —  "  The  forward  movement  effected  in  five 
years  is  marvelous.  K  we  compare  the  hesitating, 
uncertain,  chaotic  and  tremulous  convention  of  1868, 
with  the  convention  of  to-day,  we  wiU  feel  that  it  is 


134  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

almost  'life  from  the  dead.'  Our  true  policy  is  not 
to  mourn  over  the  things  that  are  wanting,  which 
from  Solomon's  day  till  now  have  been  'without 
number,'  but  to  regard  every  difficulty  as  a  fresh  chal- 
lenge to  the  manhood  and  Christhood  that  is  in  us." 

1874  — "  Some  may  blame  the  boards,  some  the 
secretaries,  some  the  preachers  and  members  for  not 
raising  more  missionary  money ;  but  it  would  be  as 
wise  to  censure  the  tax-collector  for  failure  if  every 
county  and  every  individual  had  a  right  to  pay  but 
very  little  tax  and  appropriate  that  little  wherever 
he  might  choose.  No  one  in  his  studio  is  capable 
of  judging  of  the  difficulties  encountered  in  the  field. 
It  has  required  the  most  unconquerable  purpose  to 
keep  up  the  work  at  all.  The  greatest  wonder  is  it 
has  run  on  for  five  years  with  such  elements  of  weak- 
ness at  the  head  of  the  system.  But  we  have  kept 
it  from  sinking  until  popular  sentiment  has  had  time 
to  rise  and  accept  the  remedy  that  is  needed.  Your 
officers  have  been  expected  to  do  what  was  impos- 
sible, and  yet  what  has  been  done  were  almost 
impossibilities." 

1875  —  "Such,  in  brief,  is  a  statement  of  what  has 
been  done  the  past  year,  and  such  the  work  we  woukl 
project  for  the  future.  Although  the  financial  con- 
dition of  the  country  has  checked  the  flow  of  benevo- 
lence for  religious  purposes  in  all  denominations, 
and  has  certainly  cut  down  our  resoui'ces  to  less 
than  half  what  it  would  have  been  under  ordinary 
circumstances,  we  see  no  cause  for  discouragement. 
True  bravery  thrives  on  difficulties.   At  a  time  when 


GKOWTH   OF   THE  MISSIONAEY   IDEA.  135 

nearly  all  business  interests  are  suffering,  our  breth- 
ren, of  course,  cannot  be  prosperous,  and  in  such 
cases  it  is  wisest  to  accept  tlie  situation  and  wait 
the  revival  of  trade.  Meanwhile  we  believe  that  an 
earnest  effort  this  year  in  behalf  of  our  work  will 
realize  a  very  large  increase  over  any  previous  year 
of  our  missionary  history." 

1876  —  "While  we  are  disposed  to  take  a  cheerful 
view  of  the  situation,  there  is  one  thing,  as  in  other 
reports,  that  we  must  repeat —  Our  ministry,  as  a 
class,  do  not  feel  their  personal  responsibility  in 
raising  money  for  the  missionary  loorJc.  The  elders, 
and  especially  the  preachers,  are  chiefly  responsible 
for  our  lack  of  means.  With  only  a  few  does  it 
seem  to  be  a  matter  of  conscience.  Any  preacher 
that  is  doing  much  good  in  his  congregation  could 
secure  an  average  of  fifty  cents  to  the  member  for 
missions  without  making  the  church  responsible  for 
anything.  He  could  do  it  privately.  The  poorest, 
unless  objects  of  charity  themselves,  would  not  re- 
fuse half  a  dollar  per  year.  But  this  work  does  not 
seem  to  rest  as  a  burden  on  the  hearts  of  the  preach- 
ers as  it  does  among  most  protestant  ministers.  Calls 
in  the  papers,  personal  letters  from  the  evangelists, 
and  even  personal  promises  are  often  neglected,  or 
forgotten,  or  made  to  give  way  to  other  things.  It 
seems  not  to  rest  heavily  upon  the  souls  of  the  min- 
isters. Perhaps  some  at  this  convention  are  disap- 
pointed at  what  has  been  done,  and  yet  did  nothing 
dui'ing  the  year  to  help  us.  We  are  glad,  however, 
to  recognize  some  improvement  in  this  matter  among 


136  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

the  most  useful  men,  but  a  great  improvement  is  in- 
dispensable to  any  respectable  success." 

1877  —  "But  the  chief  question,  and  almost  the 
only  one  for  this  convention  to  consider,  seems  to  us 
to  be  whether  the  home  ministry  both  can  and  will 
raise  our  missionary  money.  This  Scriptural  duty 
of  theirs  they  have  never  yet  reached  to  any  consid- 
erable extent.  Our  success  is  certain,  wherever  we 
do  the  work ;  we  can  have  the  work  done  if  we  can 
support  our  Evangelists.  We  can  support  our  Evan- 
gelists if  the  preachers  and  elders  will  faithfully  and 
persistently  try  to  raise  the  means,  and  in  no  other 
way.  To  the  church  leaders  we  must  look,  and  all 
history  shows  how  useless  it  is  to  look  to  any  others. 
This  is  God's  own  plan,  as  clearly  shown  in  the 
New  Testament,  and  he  will  bless  us  in  no  other  and 
never  has.  This  is  generally  admitted  by  all  the 
intelligent ;  it  has  been  repeated  in  our  reports  year 
after  year.  The  ministry  of  Protestants  generally 
do  a  large  work  in  this  way,  and  why  not  ours  ? 
There  is  nothing  very  discouraging  in  our  future,  but 
this  one  thing — the  inertness,  inefficiency  and  appar- 
ent indisposition  of  our  home  ministry  to  work  in 
this  matter  as  they  ought.  If  this  can  be  overcome 
our  success  will  be  great,  our  conventions  joyful, 
and  the  work  of  the  Lord  prosperous  in  our  hands. 

It  may  seem  very  strange  and  anomalous  that 
many  of  our  very  best  ministers,  who  mourn  over 
our  deficiencies,  are  here  to-day  without  having  done 
their  duties,  the  past  year,   to  have  things  in  better 


GROWTH   OF  THE   MISSIONARY   IDEA.  137 

shape;  and  expect  to  go  home  and  repeat  tlieii-  past 
inefficiency,  and  then  attend  the  next  convention  to 
regret  our  small  results,  and  so  on  year  after  year. 
We  recommend  tliat  this  Conxiention  settle  the 
question,  so  far  as  all  the  preachers  and  elders  pres- 
ent are  concerned,  whether  we  are  to  look  to  them  for 
anything  better  in  the  future.  Wliether  a  nucleus 
shall  be  formed  here  that  will  return  to  their  respect- 
ive States  and  rouse  the  ministry  as  far  as  possible 
to  this  work.  Other  recommendations  we  could 
make,  but  it  would  be  useless  until  this  one  is  settled. 
The  grandest  possibilities  are  ahead  of  us.  We  have 
a  mighty  Savior  to  help  us,  a  glorious  gospel  to  pro- 
claim, immortal  souls  to  save,  and  an  account  to  give 
to  Him  "  who  is  ready  to  judge  the  quick  and  the 
dead." 

Finally  we  would  suggest  a  bare  possibility  as  to 
the  cause  of  our  not  doing  more  missionary  work. 
Perhaps  we  are  not  worthy  to  do  missionary  work. 
Possibly  we  are  not,  as  ministers,  fully  consecrated 
to  God.  The  trouble  may  lie  deeper  than  we  think. 
We  may  be  depending  too  much  upon  ourselves. 
We  are  not  strong  because  we  are  not  weak.  The 
Apostles  considered  it  a  high  attainment  to  be 
"worthy  to  suffer"  for  Christ's  sake.  The  better 
one  is  prepared  to  suffer  with  Him,  the  more  is  he 
like  Him  and  the  more  worthy.  The  Apostles  had 
to  bear  "  about  in  their  bodies  the  dying  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  "  in  order  "  that  the  life  also  of  Jesus  might  be 
made  manifest "  in  those  same  bodies.    K  we  have 


138  OHRISTIAlSr    MISSIONS. 

not  been  really  crucified  with  Christ  it  is  impossible 
to  reach  the  ground  He  stands  on.  Let  us  go  forth, 
therefore,  unto  Him  without  the  camp,  joyfully  bear- 
ing the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day,  with  hearts 
reconsecrated  to  God,  Let  us  yet  make  our  mission- 
ary work  a  great  success,  in  the  name  of  Him  who 
"  counted  us  worthy,  putting  us  into  the  ministry," 
with  the  blessed  promise,  "Lo,  I  am  with  you 
always,  even  unto  the  end." 

1878— From  1878  to  1882  inclusive  the  reports  of 
the  Board  were  read  by  F.  M.  Green  the  Correspond- 
ing Secretary  for  that  period.  The  conclusion  of  the 
report  for  1878  was  as  follows : 

In  some  respects  it  has  been  a  difficult  year  to  raise 
funds  for  the  General  Society.  We  make  no  attempt 
to  assign  reasons  for  this  fact.  "We  appeal  to  each 
to  answer  it  for  himself.  But  whatever  may  be  the 
reason,  let  it  not  be  written  against  our  labors  for 
the  year  to  come. 

Great  and  effectual  doors  are  being  opened  to  us 
in  every  direction ;  and  we  believe  that  "  the  hour  of 
our  associated  strength  "  has  arrived — the  hour  which 
shall  demonstrate  our  union  to  be  more  than  uni- 
formity of  sentiment  —  a  oneness  of  mind  and  of 
effort  arising  from  the  nature^  power  and  exalta- 
tion of  the  holy  truth  believed. 

This  year  is  to  prove  us.  It  will  be  decisive  of  our 
character  and  our  destiny.  The  spirit  which  we 
shall  now  exhibit  will  be  the  augury  of  our  faith. 


GROWTH   OF   THE   MISSIONARY   IDEA.  139 

Our  pride  has  been  many  times  wounded  by  the 
smalhiess  of  the  results  which  have  followed  our  co- 
operative efforts.  We  have  boasted  of  our  great 
strength  and  numbers,  and  wealth  and  power  as  a 
religious  people ;  and  we  have  often  inquired,  "  Is 
not  this  great  Babylon  that  we  have  builded  ?  " 

May  it  not  be  possible  that  we  have  forgotten  a 
great  lesson  of  God's  word — that  "  by  humility  and 
the  fear  of  the  Lord,  are  riches,  and  honor  and  life  "  ? 
Except  we  are  willing  to  die  for  Christ  we  cannot 
succeed.  "Except  a  corn  of  wheat  fall  into  the 
ground  and  die,  it  abideth  alone."  "The  handful  of 
corn  upon  the  top  of  the  mountains  "  must  germinate 
unseen,  and  give  itself  up  to  the  process  in  which 
itself  shall  be  lost,  before  "  its  fruit  can  shake  like 
Lebanon."  So  was  it  with  Christ ;  so  must  it  be  with 
us.  It  is  from  self-sacrifice  and  consecration  in  the 
v^ery  spirit  of  Christ,  that  fruit  comes  in  this  work — 
"  from  these  always,  from  these  onlyP  In  carrying 
His  gospel  to  others.  His  people  must  "  fill  up  that 
which  is  behind  of  the  afflictions  of  Christ." 

"When  the  secret  sympathy  with  him,  the  hidden 
work  at  the  root  decays  or  ceases,  the  outward  work 
will  decay  or  cease.  It  is  in  vain  to  talk  of  philoso- 
phies here.  The  work  is  of  God,  or  it  is  nothing ; 
and  what  we  have  to  do  is  to  put  ourselves  in  such  a 
position  that  we  can  work  with  Him." 

But  there  is  a  lesson  of  Tioye  that  we  would  leave 
with  you.  Humility  and  hope — these  are  the  whole 
teaching  of  the  buried  seed.     Seeming  opposites, 


140  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

they  are  typified  in  nature ;  but  Christianity  alone 
could  blend  them  in  mutual  support  and  augmented 
beauty.  Humility  and  hope !  —  a  hope  as  high  as 
the  humility  is  profound,  because  both  are  from  our 
relation  to  the  Savior  —  now  as  crucified;  now  as 
risen. 

"  God  forbid  that  we  should  glory,  save  in  the 
cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ" — that  is  humility. 
God  forbid  that  we  should  not  glory  in  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  as  triumphant  over  the  death  of  the 
cross,  and  as  having  all  power  given  unto  him  in 
heaven  and  upon  earth.  That  is  hope.  The  work 
that  God  has  begun,  and  to  which  he  has  pledged 
himself  in  the  death  of  his  Son,  we  believe  that  He 
will  carry  on.  We  look  to  a  personal  being ;  we  are 
soldiers  under  the  Captain  of  our  salvation,  and  obey 
a  command  and  rest  on  promises.  Then  let  the 
waters  pile  themselves  to  the  heavens;  let  them 
over-arch  us  if  they  will — loe  move  on.  Balancing 
tendencies  alone,  we  should  have  no  hope.  Looking 
at  the  command  and  promises,  we  have  no  doubt. 
We  think  that  the  set  of  the  long  currents  is  with 
us;  but  there  are  now,  there  always  have  been, 
calms,  and  shoals,  and  counter-currents,  and  it  is 
only  by  faith  that  we  can  believe  that  the  breeze 
shall  ever  spring  up,  and  the  tide  rise,  that  shall  bear 
lis  beyond  them. 

1879 — The  following  statement  was  made  in  1879 : 

It  is  now  ten  full  years  since  the  organization  of 

the  General  Christian  Missionary  Convention  with 

its  present  Constitution.     The  following  table  will 


GROWTH   OF  THE   MISSIONARY   IDEA.  141 

sliow  the  cash  receipts  each  year  into  the  General 
Treasury,  exclusive  of  what  was  raised,  loj  States 
co-operating,  for  local  State  work : 

1870 $4,529  91 

1871 4,308  15 

1872 2,801  04 

1873 4,158  89 

1874 5,172  28 

1875 4,671  10 

1876 6,061  84 

1877 4,726  77 

1878 2,237  11 

1879 6,029  09 

Total $44,696  18 

Of  this  amount,  $7,817.43  are  the  proceeds  of  the 
sale  of  the  Hymn  Book. 

This  statement  shows  that,  notwithstanding  the 
fearful  battle  which  the  Society  has  been  compelled 
to  fight  against:  (1)  The  alienations  produced  by 
the  late  war ;  (2)  The  general  poverty  of  the  people, 
caused  by  the  financial  crash  of  1873 ;  (3)  The  in- 
difference of  a  large  number  to  any  co-operative 
missionary  work,  and,  (4)  the  open,  terrible  hostility 
of  others,  the  Society  has  lost  no  ground ;  but  has 
been  steadily  advancing,  until  its  present  prospects, 
if  not  flattering,  are  at  least  substantial. 

1880  —  The  report  concluded  with  the  following 
words  expressive  of  hope  for  the  future  growth  and 
prosperity  of  the  Society : 

Thus  have  we  traced,  with  as  much  business 
brevity  as  possible,  the  result  of  our  efforts  to  carry 
out  the  wishes  of  this  Convention.    Every  resolution 


142  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

of  instniction  we  have  endeavored  faithfully  to  ol)- 
serve.  Our  report,  as  compared  with  former  reports, 
shows  that  we  are  making  a  steady  advance.  Open, 
hateful  opposition  to  the  society  has  well-nigh 
ceased.  And  it  ought  to  cease ;  for  this  convention 
is  the  helper  and  well-wisher  to  him  who  goes  out 
unsandaled  and  alone  —  a  preacher  of  the  grace  of 
God.  It  encourages  each  congregation  to  put  forth 
its  utmost  effort  in  the  spread  of  the  truth.  And 
beyond  all  this,  it  seeks  to  unite  those  in  a  wider 
co-operation  who  fervently  desire  to  obey  the  last 
commandment  of  our  Lord:  "Go  ye  into  all  the 
world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature." 

1881 — In  1881  a  radical  change  in  the  financial 
part  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Society  was  made. 
The  reasons  for  this  change  are  briefly  stated  by  the 
Board  as  follows : 

So  far  as  church  co-operation  and  church  contri- 
bution for  missions  are  concerned,  there  does  not 
appear  to  be  any  sense  of  responsibility  on  the  part 
of  the  churches ;  and  the  Board  is  often  left  without 
means  to  carry  on  the  work  committed  to  it  to  do, 
through  the  indifference,  supposed  local  necessities, 
or  caprice  of  the  congregations. 

For  years  the  Board  has  been  embarrassed  at  the 
beginning  of  each  year  because  of  its  inability  to 
tell  how  much  money  would  be  placed  at  its  dis- 
posal. Usually  at  the  beginning  of  each  year  the 
treasury  is  empty  or  nearly  so.  There  is  no  depend- 
ence to  be  placed  on  quarterly  collections,  either  as 
to  regularity  or  size,  as  a  supply  for  our  treasury. 


GROWTH   OF  THE  MISSIONARY   IDEA.  143 

This  is  OUT  experience.  But  we  find  some  congrega- 
tions which  desire  to  be  represented  in  our  work 
through  their  quarterly  collections.  There  are  States 
which  desire  to  be  represented  in  this  convention 
through  dividends  from  their  State  Treasury,  and 
these  States  represent  the  widest  idea  of  church 
co-operation  yet  realized  by  us.  But  we  also  find 
that  a  large  number  of  individuals  would  be  glad  to 
contribute  to  our  work  if  their  contribution  would 
entitle  them  to  membership  in  the  convention.  These 
facts  have  been  learned  after  ten  years  of  experience 
in  our  endeavors  to  realize  in  a  wide  degree  "church 
co-operation."  We,  therefore,  after  careful  study, 
recommend  the  following  changes  in  the  Constitution 
of  this  Society,  and  ask  their  endorsement  by  this 
convention.  These  changes  will  meet  the  main  ob- 
jections which  have  been  urged  against  the  financial 
standing  of  the  Society,  and  will  also  give  to  those 
who  contribute  to  its  funds  such  a  standing  in  the 
convention  as  will  permit  them  to  have  a  direct  voice 
in  the  management  of  the  society. 

The  report  for  the  year  closed  as  follows : 
We  close  the  record  of  the  year  with  this  regret : 
We  have  not  been  able  to  do  all  that  we  desired  to 
do.  The  Board  has  freely  given  its  time  to  consider 
the  questions  that  have  been  brought  before  it.  Our 
agents  have  been  faithful  to  their  respective  mis- 
sions. The  year  has  been  an  eventful  one.  The 
winter  was  exceedingly  long  and  the  summer  ex- 
ceedingly hot.  The  fearful  tragedy  which  deprived 
the  nation  of  its  chief,  the  world  of  one  of  its  mightiest 


144  CHRISTIAN   HUSSIONS. 

intellectual  and  moral  forces,  and  the  church  of  one 
of  its  humblest  and  truest  memhers,  closed  when  the 
spirit  of  James  A.  Garfield  left  its  clay  at  El"beron, 
while  the  ocean  sobbed  and  humanity  cried.  From 
July  2d  to  September  19  th  no  man  could  keep  his 
heart  from  the  Nation's  chamber  of  suffering.  But 
notwithstanding  all  these  things,  we  have  endeavored 
to  be  faithful  to  the  interests  of  this  convention,  and 
have  prayed  that  "gladness  shall  dawn  from  sorrow, 
and  glory  burst  from  gloom." 

1882 — With  the  report  of  1882  the  society  con- 
cluded its  successive  annual  reports  for  a  third  of  a 
century.  It  was,  therefore,  fitting  for  the  Board  to 
use  the  following  language  : 

This  society  is  now  thirty-three  years  old.  Since 
its  organization,  in  1849,  an  entire  generation  of  men 
has  passed  away,  and  a  new  world  is  before  the 
Church  of  God.  Yet  the  old  commandment  is  still 
in  force :     "  Go,  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature." 

The  General  Society  has  had  its  full  measure  of 
opposition  in  the  past,  and  its  managers  and  officers 
have  been  compelled  to  submit  frequently  to  the 
most  unrelenting  personal  and  official  abuse.  But 
through  all  the  years  of  a  generation  it  has  gone  on 
its  oftentimes  perilous  way,  until  the  numbers  that 
have  been  brought  into  the  church  by  its  direct 
agencies  are  over  17,244.  Besides,  during  the  last 
twelve  years,  its  associate  State  agencies  have  added 
to  the  church  more  than  56,040  persons. 

During  the  time  covered  by  its  eventful  history,  it 
has  been  the  battle-field  on  which  the  two  great 


GROWTH   OF   THE   MISSIONARY    IDEA.  145 

ideas  of  selfishness  and  pliilantliropy  have  contended 
for  the  mastery  among  the  Disciples  of  Christ.  The 
result  of  the  "battle  has  been  to  crystallize  selfish- 
ness, on  the  one  hand ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  it 
has  broadened  the  spirit  of  the  true  men  and  women 
of  the  church.  The  interest  in  missions — small  as  it 
is — domestic  and  foreign,  has  never  been  so  great  as 
it  is  to-day.  And  the  interest  is  growing  day  by 
day.  During  the  thirty-three  years  of  the  life  of  the 
General  Christian  Missionary  Convention,  it  has 
been  instrumental  in  developing  a  desire  to  do  mis- 
sion work  in  this  and  other  lands,  even  to  the  "  ends 
of  the  earth."  It  has  also  revealed  the  real  con- 
dition of  hundreds  of  churches  and  thousands  of 
brethren  over  this  land  of  ours.  It  has  not  only  re- 
vealed our  necessities  and  possibilities,  but  it  has 
made  it  possible  for  us  to  direct  with  greater  wisdom, 
each  succeeding  year,  all  of  our  home  mission  enter- 
prises. 

Christ  said,  "By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them." 
By  that  test  the  General  Society  has  a  right  to  live. 
It  has  conquered  that  right  against  all  the  opposition 
made  to  it.  And  if  it  were  to  cease  to-day  to  be  an 
active  agency  in  preaching  the  word,  and  nothing 
more  could  be  shown  than  its  tattered  banner  and 
its  silent  guns  in  front  of  its  army  of  more  than 
73,235  converts,  its  history  and  its  work  would  be 
entitled  to  respect. 

The  chief  diflBlculty  in  the  way  of  prosecuting  mis- 
sion work  is  that  which  always  hinders  the  gospel — 
the  natural  opposition  of  the  human  heart.  Methods 

10 


146  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

may  be  ever  so  wise,  but  they  nmst  give  offense  as 
long  as  sin  still  has  dominion  on  the  earth.  Within 
the  church,  whatever  of  opposition  to  God's  wiU 
lingers  will  be  quite  sure  to  crystallize  around  the 
subject  of  mission  interests  in  the  form  of  criticism 
or  indifference,  because  missions  are  so  central,  so 
close  to  the  heart  of  Christ.  Churches  desire  revivals. 
They  suggest  protracted  meetings,  and  inquire  for 
evangelists.  Many  of  them  had  better  subscribe  for 
missionary  periodicals,  and  go  to  cultivating  an  in- 
telligent mission  spirit.  It  would  be  the  most  direct 
road  to  the  attainment  of  their  desire.  Greatly  are 
they  to  be  congratulated  who  live  with  their  eyes 
open  and  their  hearts  warm  toward  the  mission 
cause.  Life  is  vastly  enriched  with  the  information 
thus  gained,  and  the  wealth  of  emotion  thus  secured. 
All  over  the  world  there  are  movements  conspiring 
to  the  encouragement  of  evangelization.  Home  and 
foreign  missions  are  continually  coming  into  new 
relations  to  the  various  conditions  and  changes  in 
human  society,  and  so  far  as  our  work  is  concerned, 
these  changes  are  from  weakness  to  strength ;  from 
inexperience  to  confidence  ;  from  discouragement  to 
hope ;  from  slow  progress  to  swift  advance  ;  from 
seeming  failure  to  certain  success. 

1883 — ^In  1883  the  report  of  the  Board  was  read  by 
Robert  Moffett,  the  present  Corresponding  Secretary. 
In  that  report  the  Board  says  : 

"  The  great  difficulty  with  us  has  been  to  create 
and  sustain  a  general  interest  in  missions.  Only  by 
constant  and  persistent   education  will  we  reach  a 


GROWTH   OF   THE   MISSIONARY   IDEA.  147 

respectable  standing  among  the  missionary  forces 
of  the  nineteenth  century.  We  believe  the  mission- 
ary spirit  is  growing.  To  the  preachers  more  than 
to  any  other  class  must  we  look  for  that  action  which 
will  lead  our  Israel  into  the]  missionary  battle,  and 
through  it  to  missionary  victory." 

Thus,  year  after  year,  has  the  condition  of  the  so- 
ciety been  faithfully  reported  by  its  Board  of  Mana- 
gers and  Corresponding  Secretary.  These  annual 
reports  have  indicated  the  irregular  pulse-beats  of 
the  great  religious  body,  which  in  a  wider  degree 
than  through  any  other  organization,  was  repre- 
sented by  the  General  Convention.  The  society  has 
had  a  difficult  pilgrimage.  It  may  not  be  possible 
to  give  all  the  reasons ;  but,  perhaps,  the  greatest 
obstacle  to  its  progress  has  been  the  often  yielding 
for  the  sake  of  peace,  to  the  clamor  of  impracticable 
men,  which  resulted  so  frequently  in  the  changing  of 
the  working  business  basis  of  the  society. 

Money  is  as  necessary  to  carry  on  the  work  of  mis- 
sions as  it  is  to  build  railroads,  and  no  business  can 
be  conducted  without  some  expense  for  its  machin- 
ery. At  the  beginning  the  society  laid  its  business 
foundation  on  a  "money  basis ;  "  and  so  long  as  it 
yielded  not  to  the  timid  fears  of  some,  and  the  com- 
munistic cry  of  others,  it  prospered. 

The  change  in  1869  was  made  to  gratify  those  who 
could  see  no  other  way  of  general  co-operation  except 
"church  co-operation;"  and  to  try  once  more  to  sat- 
isfy the  extremists.  But  it  was  soon  found  by  the 
real  friends   of  the  General  Society  that  they  had 


148  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

given  away  everything  practical  and  received  no- 
thing in  return  except  a  vision  of  what  "might 
have  iDeen."  "When  in  1868  the  question  of  the  ap- 
pointment of  a  large  committee  to  consider  and  report 
what  changes  were  needed  in  the  Constitution,  was 
under  consideration,  O.  A.  Burgess,  that  brave  man 
of  God,  "  withstood  it  to  the  face,"  and  charged  that 
its  only  object  was  to  destroy  the  society.  But  the 
committee  was  appointed  and  the  Constitution 
changed,  only  to -find  before  a  year  went  by,  that 
some  of  the  very  men  who  endorsed  the  report  of 
the  "  Committee  of  Twenty "  at  Louisville,  were 
using  tongue  and  pen  to  destroy  it. 

The  "  Louisville  Plan  "  was  mainly  an  attempt  to 
reach  general  "church  co-operation,"  and  an  honest 
effort  was  made  for  ten  successive  years  to  realize 
something  from  it.  It  was  a  failure;  and  whoever 
reads  and  carefully  studies  the  history  of  the  Church 
of  Christ  from  the  beginning,  may  well  doubt  whether 
"  church  co-operation  "  was  ever  realized  except  in 
very  limited  circles.  In  the  nature  of  things  it  never 
can  be  realized  where  men  are  left  free  to  worship 
God  according  to  the  dictates  of  a  personal  conscience 
and  not  a  church  conscience.  The  gospel  was  and 
is  to  be  preached  to  men  individually ;  individually 
men  are  to  obey  it ;  and  by  their  individual  energy, 
or  by  voluntary  associations  as  individuals,  they 
unite  to  carry  the  gospel  to  the  "ends  of  the  earth." 
Even  when  congregations  unite,  they  unite  not  as 
masses,  but  as  individuals,  and  by  representatives 
attend  to  such  business  as  they  may  devise.  Indeed, 


GROWTH   OF   THE   MISSIONARY   IDEA,  149 

SO  far  as  tlie  Word  of  God  reveals  metliods,  there  is 
just  as  positive  a  command  for  individual  Cliristians 
to  unite  and  form  tlie  "General  Christian  Missionary 
Convention,"  as  there  is  for  individual  Christians  to 
unite  to  form  a  congregation  in  Cincinnati,  Louis- 
ville, or  Jerusalem.  Congregations  are  business 
methods  for  doing  local  Christian  work ;  while  the 
General  Convention  is  a  business  method  for  doing 
general  Christian  work.  God's  permission  is  given 
to  the  one  as  it  is  given  to  the  other ;  and  so  long  as 
"things  are  true,  and  honest,  and  just,  andjDure,  and 
lovely,  and  of  good  report"  in  them,  God's  blessing 
will  attend  their  efforts. 

The  General  Convention  in  its  thirty-four  years  of 
struggle  and  contest,  undoubtedly  has  made  a  few 
mistakes.  But  comparatively  they  have  been  few. 
It  has  now  a  fair  field  and  good  prospects,  and  so 
long  as  a  steady  hand  is  at  the  helm,  it  will,  like  a 
good  ship,  sail  on  to  success. 


CHAPTER  V. 
CHAN^OES  m  ITS   CONSTITUTION". 

|ERH  APS  there  is  nothing  which  indicates  more 
clearly,  among,  a  body  of  religious  people 
like  the  Disciples,  the  unrest ;  the  fear  of 
ecclesiastical  domination;  the  scruples  of 
conscience ;  the  influence  of  downright  re- 
ligious demagoguery ;  or  the  practical,  working  wis- 
dom of  the  body  than  the  changes  which  are  made 
from  time  to  time,  for  one  assigned  reason  or 
another,  in  the  constitutions  of  its  missionary 
societies  or  in  its  methods  of  co-operation. 

Take  the  General  Christian  Missionary  Conxien- 
tion  as  an  example  and  illustration.  It  adopted  its 
first  Constitution  with  great  unanimity  in  October 
1849,  and  after  the  most  thorough  discussion,  and 
critical  examination,  by  a  body  of  more  than  one 
hundred  and  fifty  representative  men. 

In  1850  Article  III  was  changed  so  as  to  read: 
"  Every  Christian  church  in  North  America  co-oper- 
ating with  this  society,  and  all  associations  of 
churches,  shall  be  entitled  to  representation  equally, 
at  the  annual  meetings,  and  all  persons  heretofore 
constituted  Life  Members  and  Life  Directors  shall 

150 


CHANGES  IN  ITS   CONSTITUTION.  151 

continue  in  the  enjoyment  of  their  acquired  rights." 

Ai'ticle  ly  was  changed  so  as  to  make  the  officers 
ex-offtcio  members  of  the  society;  and  Article  Ywas 
so  changed  as  to  take  the  Life  Directors  out  of  the 
Executive  Board. 

The  cry  against  the  "  money  "basis  of  membership  " 
and  a  "  moneyed  aristocrisy  "  had  already  produced 
its  effect. 

In  1853  Article  III  was  changed  again  and  made 
to  read :  "  Every  Christian  Church  in  North  America, 
co-operating  with  this  society,  and  all  associations  of 
chui'ches  shall  be  entitled  to  representation  equally 
at  the  annual  meetings." 

It  had  also  been  found  within  the  two  years  since 
the  "  money  basis  "  was  stricken  out  from  the  con- 
stitution, that  missionary  work  required  money  to 
carry  it  on,  and  a  full  treasury  with  a  comparatively 
limited  membership,  was  incomparably  better  for 
the  object  of  the  society  than  a  large  membership 
in  an  ideal  co-operation  with  the  element  of  money 
left  out;  hence  the  society  in  1853  added  the  follow- 
ing Article  IV  to  the  Constitution :  "  Every  person 
paying  twenty-five  dollars  shall  be  a  Life  Member, 
and  every  person  paying  one  hundred  dollars  shall 
be  a  Life  Director." 

In  1856  Articles .  Ill  and  lY  were  changed  again 
and  made  to  read  as  follows  :  Article  III — "  Every 
Christian  church  and  all  associations  of  churches 
co-operating  with  this  society  by  contributions  to  its 
funds,  shall  be  entitled  to  representation  equally  at 
the  annual  meetings;"  Article  lY — ''Every  person 


152  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

paying  one  dollar  shall  be  a  member  for  one  year ; 
every  person  paying  twenty-five  dollars  shall  be  a 
member  for  life ;  and  every  person  paying  one 
hundied  dollars  shall  be  a  director  for  life."  By 
these  changes  the  financial  strength  of  the  society 
was  considerably  augmented  and  its  permanent 
membership  largely  increased. 

In  1868  some  very  radical  changes  were  made  in 
the  Constitution  of  the  Society. 

These  changes  were  specified  in  an  address,  "To 
the  friends  of  missions  ''  prepared  by  the  direction 
of  the  society  by  "W.  K.  Pendleton,  Isaac  Errett,  W. 
J.  Pettigrew,  George  W.  Elley  and  A.  R.  Benton. 

(1)  The  number  of  Vice-Presidents  was  reduced 
from  twenty -five  to  three. 

(2)  No  Yice-President  was  required  to  reside  in  or 
near  Cincinnati. 

(3)  Five  managers  instead  of  seven  were  made  to 
constitute  a  quorum. 

(4)  Articles  III  and  IV  were  stricken  out  and  the 
following  substituted  for  them :  "  The  members  of 
this  society  shall  consist  of  delegates  annually 
chosen  by  the  churches  of  Christ  contributing  to  its 
funds,  and  of  members  of  churches  who  annually 
contribute  to  the  funds  of  the  society. 

(5)  It  was  provided,  however,  that,  "  No  alteration 
made  in  this  Constitution  shall  be  so  construed  as 
to  aflfect  any  vested  right  of  the  society  or  any  mem- 
ber thereof." 

In  addition  to  all  these  changes  the  following  reso- 
lution was  adopted :     ^'■Resolved,  that  in  view  of  the 


OHAISTGES   IN   ITS   CONSTITUTION.  153 

abandoument  of  Life  Memberships,  and  Life  Direc- 
torships, from  which  the  principal  income  of  the 
society  has  been  derived,  the  Board  of  Managers  be 
and  they  are  liereby  requested  to  devise  and  carry 
out  a  plan  of  annual  and  life  subscriptions  whereby 
a  constant  income  may  be  secured  and  a  permanent 
basis  provided  for  the  operations  of  the  society." 

These  changes  were  made  in  the  interest  of  peace. 
They  were  made  on  the  motion  and  by  the  advice  of 
many  of  the  oldest,  and  staunchest  friends  of  the 
society,  not  because  they  embodied  their  judgment 
but  mainly  because  of  "  a  desire  to  harmonize  with 
others  who  thought  them  necessary." 

It  was  like  consenting  to  the  death  of  the  patient 
if  perchance,  by  that  means  the  patient  might  be 
freed  from  the  disease.  A  tremendous  controversy 
had  been  going  on  for  several  years  over  "plans." 
On  the  one  side  were  those  who  discriminated  between 
'•  the  work  to  be  done  "  and  the  "  method  of  doing 
it,"  believing  that  while  the  work  and  its  "object" 
were  divine  because  God  had  commanded  the  one 
and  indicated  the  other ;  yet  "  the  method  of  doing 
the  work  "-  was  left  properly,  for  human  wisdom  to 
devise. 

On  the  other  hand  were  those  who  claimed  that 
the  work  to  be  done  and  the  manner  of  doing  it 
were  equally  prescribed  by  the  Word  of  God,  and 
that  to  adopt  any  other  plan  than  the  "Lord's  plan" 
was  to  violate  the  Campbellian  maxim,  "Wliere  the 
Scriptures  speak  we  speak  and  wliere  the  Scriptures 
are  silent  we  are  silent,"  and  to  show  "  disrespect  to 


154  CHKISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

the  LorJ  Jesus  Clirist."  On  this  side  were  some  good 
men  who  really  wanted  something  worthy  done  but 
who  dared  not  strike  a  stroke  until  they  could  read, 
in  so  many  words,  "their  title  clear"  to  the  privilege, 
and  who,  therefore,  stood  still  "  to  see  the  salvation 
of  God."  With  them  stood  a  class  of  "objectors" 
whose  only  plan  was  practically  to  object  to  every 
plan — the  "Lord's  plan"  among  the  rest.  And  all 
these  were  assisted  by  a  few  demagogues  whose  am- 
bition for  leadership  was  likely  to  be  thwarted  by  the 
general  adoption  of  anything  looking  toward  good 
order  and  eflB.ciency  among  the  churches.  But  the 
contest  had  been  going  on  so  long  that  it  was  evi- 
dent that  some  radical  steps  must  shortly  be  taken. 
The  friends  of  missionary  societies  honestly  gave  up 
what,  in  their  judgment  was  best  for  the  sake  of 
harmony.  They  added  to  and  subtracted  from  the 
various  articles  of  the  Constitution  of  the  American 
Christian  Missionary  Society^  until  scarcely  any- 
thing remained  of  it  that  had  the  semblance  of  busi- 
ness sense  or  power.  They  threw  its  treasury  into 
the  ocean  at  the  desire  of  missionary  babblers.  They 
offered  the  management  of  the  society  to  the  caprice 
of  capricious  churches  and  individuals.  And  when 
they  did  all  this  no  relief  came.  Those  who  had  fought 
the  society  until  its  right  arm  of  efficiency  was  par- 
alyzed, now  that  they  had  gained  a  temporary 
victory,  stood  still  and  did  nothing  as  before.  A 
great  cry  arose  for  church  co-operation  and  not  indi- 
vidual co-operation.  The  church  must  be  supreme. 
Finally,  to  take  away  the  last  vestige  of  apparent 


CHANGES   IN   ITS   CONSTITUTION.  155 

distrust  of  the  practical)ility  of  churcli  co-operation 
on  any  large  scale,  the  friends  of  missionary  societies, 
and  individual  co-operation  on  a  "money  basis," 
agreed  to  what  is  now  known  in  Disciple  history  as 
the  "Louisville  Plan." 

The  preparations  for  the  change  made  at  Louis- 
ville in  1869  were  not  hasty,  and  every  item  of  the 
new  arrangement  was  carefully  considered  by  men 
who  sincerely  desired  harmony  in  methods  of  work- 
ing, if  it  could  be  gained  without  the  sacrifice  of 
principle. 

A  semi-annual  meeting  of  the  American  Christian 
Missionnry  Society  was  held  in  St.  Louis  in  May, 
1869.  At  that  meeting,  on  the  eighteenth  day  of 
May,  a  committee  of  twenty  was  appointed  to  con- 
sider the  whole  question  of  missionary  finance  and 
systematic  evangelization,  and  report  at  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  society  at  Louisville  in  October.  The 
following  is  the  resolution  upon  the  adoption  of 
which  the  committee  was  formed : 

'•'■  Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  twenty  be  ap- 
pointed to  take  into  consideration  the  whole  question 
of  evangelization  and  report,  if  possible,  a  scriptural 
and  practical  plan  for  raising  money  and  spreading 
the  gospel,  said  committee  to  report  at  the  Louisville 
meeting  in  October  next," 

The  committee  contemplated  in  the  foregoing  reso- 
lution consisted  of  W.  T.  Moore,  of  Ohio ;  W.  K. 
Pendleton,  West  Virginia  ;  M.  E.  Lard,  Kentucky ; 
Alexander  Procter,  Missouri ;  W.  A.  Belding,  New 
York  ;  R.  R.  Sloan,  Ohio  ;  Enos  Campbell,  Illinois ; 


156  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

T.  W.  Caskey,  Mississippi ;  Isaac  Errett,  Oliio ;  J  C. 
Reynolds,  Illinois  ;  J.  S.  Sweeney,  Illinois  ;  Josepli 
King,  Pennsylvania ;  Robert  Graham,  Kentucky ; 
G.  W.  Longan,  Missouri;  Benjamin  Franklin,  Indi- 
ana; O.  A.  Burgess,  Indiana;  W.  D.  Carnes,  Ten- 
nessee ;  C.  L.  Loos,  West  Virginia ;  J.  S.  Lamar, 
Georgia ;  and  A.  I.  Hobbs,  Iowa ;  together  with  dele- 
gates appointed  by  State  conventions  to  act  with 
the  committee,  consisting  of  A.  E.  Myres,  West  Vir- 
ginia ;  D.  R.  Dungan,  Nebraska ;  Winthrop  H.  Hop- 
son,  Kentucky;  C.  G.  Bartholomew,  Indiana;  A.  B. 
Jones,  Missouri  ;  W.  L.  Hayden,  New  York ;  Edwin 
A.  Lodge,  Michigan;  0.  Ebert,  Michigan;  N.  A. 
Walker,  Indiana  ;  I.  B.  Grubbs,  Kentucky ;  Dr.  S. 
E.  Shepard,  Ohio ;  Parritt  Blaisdell,  Massachusetts; 
and  J.  W.  Butler,  Illinois. 

The  convention  at  Louisville  was  very  large,  more 
than  six  hundred  delegates  being  in  attendance. 
The  report  of  the  Committee  of  Twenty  was  consid- 
ered item  by  item,  and  was  adopted  with  slight  modi- 
fication, with  great  unanimity.  The  most  important 
change  made  in  the  rejDort  of  the  committee,  was  in 
the  Seventh  Section  of  Article  II.  To  that  section  as 
reported  by  the  committee  was  added  these  words : 
"But  this  recommendation  is  not  to  be  considered  as 
precluding  a  different  disposition  of  funds,  when  the 
church  contributing  shall  so  decide." 

This  innocent  looking  amendment  was  adopted, 
but  from  the  moment  of  its  adoption  the  "Louis- 
ville Plan,"  as  a  general  financial  scheme,  was  no 
stronger  than  a  rope  of  sand.    This  was  not  realized, 


CHANGES   EST   ITS   CONSTITUTION.  lf)7 

however,  until  the  effort  was  made  in  succeeding 
years,  to  fill  the  treasury  of  the  society  with  the 
*•  sinews  of  war."  It  was  then  found  that  the  "  ca- 
price of  the  capricious"  triumphed  and  the  "spe- 
cial" was  considered  of  more  importance  than  the 
"general." 

The  Constitution,  as  finally  adopted,  was  endorsed 
by  the  entire  committee  of  twenty;  at  least  no 
open  opposition  was  manifested  at  the  time  against 
it.  It  was  generally  regarded  as  a  hapj^y  compromise 
of  existing  extremes,  and  ahout  as  near  the  ideal 
of  church  co-operation  as  human  wisdom  could  de- 
vise. It  is  doubtful  whether  on  paper  anything  more 
beautiful  could  be  made  to  appear.  Its  outlook  to 
those  who  were  captivated  with  its  comely  propor- 
tions, was  as  fair  as  the  land  of  promise  flowing 
with  "milk  and  honey."  A  committee  of  angels 
could  have  done  no  better,  and  they  could  have 
realized  upon  it  but  little  more  than  a  bright  vision 
this  side  of  Paradise.  As  a  theory  of  church  co-oper- 
ation it  was  a  success,  but  as  a  prac-tical  business 
plan  for  missionary  work,  it  was  a  ghastly  failure. 

It  was  soon  found,  too,  as  a  matter  of  fact  and  of 
history,  that  nothing  would  satisfy  those  who  were 
so  clamorous  for  the  destruction  of  the  old  method 
and  the  adoption  of  a  new  method  of  missionary 
co-operation.  Some  who  signed  the  report  of  the 
Committee  of  Twenty,  and  afterwards  advocated  its 
general  acceptance  by  the  brethren,  soon  went  back 
to  their  former  opposition  and  used  all  their 
influence  to  break  down  the  work. 


158  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

As  was  well  said  at  the  time,  "  They  opposed  the 
old  plan  hecause  it  was  not  a  co-operation  of 
churches  and  they  opposed  the  new  because  it  was 
a  co-operation  of  churches." 

In  1881  the  "Louisville  Plan"  was  superceded  hy 
the  Constitution  under  which  the  society  is  now  act- 
ing. (See  Chapter  XIX).  So  far  as  possible  all  of 
the  good  features  of  the  old  Constitutions  were 
preserved  in  the  present  Constitution.  The  finan- 
cial method  under  which  the  society  had  gained  its 
largest  revenue  in  former  years  was  restored  and 
Life  Members  and  Life  Directors  are  now  taken. 
These  form  the  permanent  membership  of  the 
society.  During  the  eleven  years  occupied  by  the 
"Louisville  Plan"  the  permanent  membership  of 
the  society  had  been  steadily  decreasing.  Year  by 
year  the  old  Life  Members,  and  Life  Directors  of  the 
American  Christian  Missionary  Society,  the  pre- 
decessor of  the  General  Christian  Missionary  Con- 
nention  were  becoming  fewer  and  fewer. 

The  society  faced  a  condition  of  tilings  something 
like  this :  As  soon  as  the  old  Life  Members,  and 
Life  Directors  were  dead,  there  would  remain  a 
chartered  society  without  any  known  members. 

In  the  present  Constitution  State  societies  are 
recognized  as  auxilliary  to  the  General  Convention 
by  the  payment  of  an  annual  di^ddend,  or  sum  of 
money  from  their  treasuries  for  general  work. 

Church  representation  is  also  provided  for ;  and 
any  and  every  congregation  that  desires  it  may  send 
its  delegate  to  the  annual  meetings  of  the  society  by 


CHANGES   EST   ITS   CONSTITUTION.  159 

the  payment  of  ten  dollars  or  more  into  the  general 
treasury. 

Individual  preferences  are  also  regarded  and  a 
temporary  or  permanent  membership  may  "be  taken 
by  every  member  of  the  churches  of  Christ.  Thus 
every  preference  is  gratified  and  a  larger  number 
satisfied  than  ever  before. 

As  those  who  will  not  work  shall  not  eat,  so  those 
who  will  not  pay  shall  not  decide  as  to  the  disposi- 
tion that  is  made  of  the  money  raised  by  others  for 
missions.  The  wisdom  of  the  change  is  already  ap- 
parent in  the  revived  vigor  with  which  the  mission- 
ary Disciples  are  prosecuting  their  work. 

Under  the  "  Louisville  Plan  "  the  Board  of  Man- 
agers was  compelled  to  face  at  the  beginning  of  each 
year  an  almost  absolutely  empty  treasury,  and  a 
wide  splendid  field  ripe  for  the  harvest  into  which 
they  dared  not  go  only  so  far  as  they  might  presume 
to  "  bank  on  their  faith  "  in  the  brethren,  that  they 
would  furnish  the  means  after-a-while  to  support 
the  missionaries  sent  out  by  the  authority  of  the 
society,  Now  each  succeeding  year  opens  up  with 
an  increasing  number  of  reliable  pledges  for  the 
work  of  the  year. 

The  present  Constitution  was  adopted  at  Indian- 
apolis without  discussion  and  it  is  profoundly  to  be 
desired  that  no  great  changes  in  the  instrument  shall 
be  deemed  necessary  for  many  years  to  come. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THE   FII^ANCES  OF   THE   GENERAL 
SOCIETY. 

?HE  financial  qnestion  has  always  been  a  qnes- 
tion  of  more  or  less  difficulty  to  the  General 
Society.  The  sources  from  which  it  has  de- 
rived its  revenue  for  the  prosecution  of  its 
^  work  have  been  various  and  often  uncertain. 
They  may  be  specified  as  follows :  Life  Directors ; 
Life  Members ;  Annual  Members  ;  individual  volun- 
tary contributions ;  contributions  from  churches  ; 
dividends  from  State  societies ;  wills,  bequests,  and 
notes  payable  after  the  death  of  the  maker  of  the 
note  ;  and  "  the  net  profits  after  paying  all  charges 
and  expenses,  arising  from  the  sale"  of  the  Christian 
Hymn  Book. 

The  CiiRiSTiAisr  Hymn  Book. — In  the  report  of  the 
Board  to  the  General  Convention  in  1864,  B.  W. 
Johnson,  then  Corresponding  Secretary,  used  the 
following  language :  "  It  gives  us  pleasure  in  this 
discussion  of  ways  and  means,  to  acknowledge  the 
devotion  by  our  venerable  President  Campbell,  of 
the  copyright  of  the  Christian  Hymn  Book,  to  cer- 

160 


FINANCES    OF   THE    GENERAL    SOCIPJTY.  IGl 

tain  brethren  for  revision,  to  be  held  in  trust  for 
the  society.  The  proceeds  arising  from  the  sales  of 
the  revised  book,  will  add  very  materially  to  the 
resources  of  the  society." 

This  portion  of  the  annual  report  was  referred  to 
a  special  committee  consisting  of  R.  R.  Sloan,  James 
Carr,  Richard  Hawley,  B.  W.  Johnson,  T.  M.  Allen, 
J.  B.  Bowman,  A.  I.  Hobbs,  and  Joseph  King,  who 
reported  as  follows : 

"  (1)  That  we  take  pleasure  in  recording  our  grate- 
ful sense  of  the  generous  offer  to  transfer  the  copy- 
right of  the  Hymn  Book,  made  by  Bro.  Alexander 
Campbell,  as  alike  expressive  of  devotion  to  the 
cause  of  missions  and  his  desire  to  meet  the  wants 
of  the  brotherhood." 

(2)  "That  we  cordially  approve  the  two-fold  object 
had  in  view  by  Bro.  Campbell,  to-wit:  firsts  that  the 
Hymn  Book  be  revised  and  enlarged  by  a  committee 
of  competent  brethren,  to  be  mutually  chosen  by 
himself  and  the  society;  second,,  that  the  profits 
arising  from  the  sale  of  the  book  may  be  appropria- 
ted to  that  benevolent  agency  which  most  fully 
embodies  and  expresses  the  philanthropic  aims  of 
the  whole  brotherhood  —  the  General  Missionary 
Society." 

"  (3)  That  in  conference  with  Bro.  Campbell,  your 
committee  have  agreed  upon  the  following  brethren 
to  whom  shall  be  entrusted  the  revision  and  enlarge- 
ment of  the  Hymn  Book,  to-\^it :  Isaac  Errett,  W. 

K.  Pendleton,  W.  T.  Moore,  T.  M.  Allen,  and  A.  S. 
u 


162  CHRISTIAlSr  MISSIONS. 

Hayden,  who  shall  when  their  work  is  complete, 
hand  it  over  to  the  Trustees  for  publication.-' 

"  (4)  "We  further  recommend  that  as  soon  as  prac- 
ticable, after  the  first  edition,  with  a  view  to  encour- 
age congregational  singing,  the  society  ai)point  a 
committee  of  persons  of  musical  skill  to  adapt 
tunes  to  the  hymns,  that  a  Hymn  and  Tune  Book 
may  "be  given  to  the  brotherhood.  Should  these 
measures  be  adopted,  it  is  understood  that  nothing 
in  them  should  be  so  construed  as  to  preclude  any 
subsequent  revision  of  the  book  that  the  society  may 
deem  advisable." 

The  foregoing  report,  after  careful  deliberation  and 
discussion,  was  adopted  without  change. 

In  1865  the  committee  of  revision  referred  to  in 
the  resolutions,  reported  to  the  General  Convention, 
that  they  had  "performed  the  task  assigned  to  them, 
to  the  best  of  their  ability,  and  have  delivered  the 
work  to  the  Publishing  Committee." 

The  Trustees  of  the  Christian  Hymn  Book  also 
made  a  report  from  which  the  following  extracts  are 
taken :  "  By  mutual  agreement  between  yourselves 
and  Elder  Alexander  Campbell,  we  were  selected  as 
Trustees  for  the  publication  and  management  of  the 
financial  afiairs  of  the  revised  and  enlarged  Hymn 
Book. 

On  the  30th  day  of  November,  1864,  in  accordance 
with  the  proposition  hitherto  made  by  Bro.  Camp- 
bell, he  transferred  to  us  the  copyright  of  the  Chris- 
tian Hymn  Book  on  the  following  conditions : 


FINANCES   OF  THE   GENERAL   SOCIETY.  163 

DEED  OF  TRUST  :— • 

Conveying  the  Christian  Hymn  Book  from  Alexander  Campbell 
to  certain  trustees  in  trust  for  the  "  American  Christian  Mis- 
sionary Society." 

This  Indenture,  made  this  30th  day  of  November,  A.  D.,  1864, 
witnesseth,  that,  whereas,  Alexander  Campbell,  of  Bethany  in 
Brooke  County,  West  Virginia,  is  the  proprietor  of  the  copy- 
right of  a  book,  the  title  of  which  is  in  the  words  following, 
to-wit:  "Psalms,  Hymns,  and  Spiritual  Songs,  original  and 
selected,  Compiled  by  A.  Campbell,  W.  Scott,  B.  W.  Stone  and 
J.  T.  Johnson,  Elders  of  the  Christian  Church,  with  numerous 
and  various  additions  and  emendations  :  Adapted  to  personal, 
family,  and  church  worship.  By  Alexander  Campbell."  Which 
copyright  was  obtained  by  the  deposit  of  a  printed  copy  of  the 
title  of  said  book  in  the  office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  District  Court 
of  the  United  States,  in  and  for  the  Western  District  of  Virginia 
on  the  19th  day  of  August,  A.  D.,  1851 :  and, 

Whereas,  The  said  Alexander  Campbell  is  desirous  of  having 
the  said  book  revised  and  enlarged,  and,  also  of  securing  the 
profits  that  may  arise  from  the  future  sales  thereof  to  the 
American  Christian  Missionary  Society,  an  association  incor- 
porated by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ohio:    and, 

Whereas,  The  said  Alexander  Campbell  and  said  society 
have  mutually  agreed  upon  and  selected  the  trustees  to  whom 
said  copyright  shall  be  transferred,  and  the  revisers  who  shall 
be  charged  with  the  revision  and  enlargement  of  said  book  : 

Now,  therefore,  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  one  dollar  to  him 
paid  by  said  The  American  Christian  Missionary  Society,  and  of 
the  uses  and  trusts  herein-after  specified,  the  said  Alexander 
Campbell  does  hereby  bargain,  sell,  grant,  assign  and  transfer 
to  Richard  M.  Bishop  and  Carlos  H.  Gould,  of  Cincinnati,  Oliio; 
William  H.  Lape  and  J.  B.  Bowman,  of  Kentucky;  and  O.  A. 
Burgess,  of  Indiana,  and  to  their  successors,  forever,  as  trustees, 
all  the  right,  title  and  interest  of  him,  the  said  Alexander 
Campbell,  in  and  to  the  said  copyright  of  said  book,  and  any 
renewal  or  renewals  of  said  copyright  to  have  and  to  hold  the 
same  to  them  and  their  successors,  in  trust  nevertheless  as  fol- 
lows :     The  said  book  shall  be  submitted  to  Isaac  Errett,  of 


164  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

Muir,  Michigan ;  William  K.  Pendleton,  of  Bethany,  West  Vir- 
ginia; Thomas  M.  Allen,  of  Missouri;  William  T.  Moore,  of 
Kentucky;  and  A.  S.  Hayden,of  Collamer,  Ohio,  as  a  committee 
of  revisers,  with  full  power  and  authority  to  alter,  rearrange, 
revise,  subtract  from,  add  to  and  enlarge  the  same,  as  to  them 
shall  seem  meet.  When  the  labors  of  said  revisers  shall  have 
been  completed,  the  said  trustees  and  their  successors  shall 
cause  said  book  as  so  revised  and  altered,  to  be  published  in 
successive  editions  from  time  to  time,  in  sufficient  quantities 
to  supply  the  demand  that  may  exist  for  the  same,  and  shall 
cause  the  same  to  be  sold  at  a  reasonable  and  moderate  price, 
so  that  extortionate  profits  shall  not  be  made  therefrom  :  And 
said  trustees  and  their  successors  shall  pay  over  to  the  said  The 
American  Christian  Missionary  Society,  the  net  profits,  after 
paying  all  charges  and  expenses  arising  from  the  sale  of  said 
book.  The  said  trustees  shall  continue  in  oflSce  and  their  suc- 
cessors be  appointed  as  follows:  J.  B.  Bowman  shall  continue 
in  office  as  trustee  for  three  years,  0.  A.  Burgess  for  four  years, 
WilHam  H.  Lape  for  five  years,  Carlos  H.  Gould  for  six  years,, 
and  Richard  M.  Bishop  for  seven  years  from  the  date  hereof,  and 
the  successor  of  each  of  them  for  the  term  of  five  years  from 
the  time  of  such  succession  ;  and  there  shall  be  one  trustee 
appointed  every  year  upon  and  after  the  termination  of  tlie 
first  period  of  three  years  from  the  date  hereof  as  aforesaid, 
each  to  continue  as  aforesaid  for  five  years,  and  every  trustee 
shall  continue  in  office  until  his  successor  shall  be  appointed. 
The  future  trustees  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Board  of  Mana- 
gers, or  Executive  Board  of  the  American  Christian  Missionary 
Society,  and  any  vacancies  by  death  or  otherwise  shall  be  filled 
by  appointments  to  be  made  by  said  Board.  In  case  said  The 
American  Christian  Missionary  Society  shall  be  dissolved  or 
cease  to  exist,  said  Alexander  Campbell  may  by  deed  or  will, 
appoint  the  manner  of  appointment  of  trustees,  and  the  dis- 
position thereafter  to  be  made  of  the  net  profits  arising  from 
the  sale  of  said  book,  and  in  default  thereof  the  trustees  in  office 
at  the  time  said  Society  shall  cease  to  exist,  shall  provide  for 
the  succession  of  said  trusteeship,  and  make  appropriation  of 
said  net  profits  to  such  benevolent  objects  as  to  them  shall  seem 
to  be  fit. 


FINANCES   OF   THE   GENERAL   SOCIETY  160 

The  said  trustees  are  hereby  empowered  to  obtain  a  new 
copyright  of  said  revised  and  enlarged  book,  and  the  same  to 
renew,  such  new  copyright  and  renewal  thereof  to  be  held  and 
used  by  them  according  to  the  provisions  of  this  deed. 

Witness  my  hand  and  seal  the  day  and  year  first  above  written. 

A.  CAMPBELL.   ^^ 

Signed,  sealed  and  acknowledged  in  presence  of  us : 
Chas.  Louis  Loos, 
Isaac  Errett, 
W.  K.  Pendleton. 
We  accept  the  trust  contained  in  the  above  deed, 

R.  M.  Bishop, 
W.  H.  Lape, 
C.  H.  Gould, 
J.  B.  Bowman, 
STATE  OF  WEST  VIRGINIA,  I  0.  A.  Burgess. 

Brooke     County,  j 

Personally  appeared  before  me,  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  for 
County  of  Brooke  and  State  of  West  Virginia,  Alexander 
Campbell,  who  having  been  duly  qualified,  acknowledged  the 
foregoing  Deed  to  be  his  act  and  deed. 

-^  Given  under  my  hand  this  11th  day  of 

U.  S.  Inter.  Rev.  I      August,  1865. 

Stamp  5  Cents.    [.  THOMAS  BUCHANAN,  J.  P. 

STATE  OF    WEST  VIRGINIA,  1  ,        • ,  . 
Brooke  County,  /  *°-^^*  • 

Clerk's  Ofllice,  Circuit  Court,  County  and  State  aforesaid.  I,  A . 
Fairs  Heney,  Clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court  of  Brooke  County,  and 
State  of  West  Virginia,  do  certify  that  Thomas  Buchanan,  whose 
genuine  signature  appears  to  the  foregoing  certificate  is  and 
was  at  the  date  of  said  certificate  an  acting  Justice  of  the  Peace 
within  and  for  said  County,  duly  qualified  to  take  said  ac- 
knowledgments and  that  his  signature  thereto  is  genuine. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  seal  of  my  said  Court,  the  14th 

day  of  August,  1865.  A.  FAIRS  HENEY, 

Clerk  Circuit  Court,  Brooke  Co. 
Circuit  Court 

^^^  By  James  Heney,  Dept.  Clerk. 

Brooke  Co.,W.  Va. 

*As  the  Deed  of  Trust  contains  the  conditions  on  which  the  trust  was 
Assumed  by  the  Trustees,  it  is  given  entire  instead  of  the  abstract  presented 
by  the  Trustees.— F.  M.  Geeen. 


166  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

Contracts  for  Publication. — The  first  contract 
for  the  publication  of  the  revised  Hymn  Book  was 
given  to  H.  S.  Bosworth.  The  present  publishers 
are  the  "Christian  Publishing  Company"  of  St, 
Louis,  Mo.  From  year  to  year  since  the  book  was 
first  published,  with  few  exceptions,  the  Trustees 
have  made  a  report  to  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
General  Society.  This  they  have  done  not  because 
of  any  specific  requirement  in  the  Deed  of  Trust 
making  it  obligatory  on  them  to  do  so ;  but  because 
it  was  the  most  sensible  and  business-like  method 
of  disposing  of  their  annual  report.  By  courtesy 
these  reports  have  always  been  received  and  printed 
with  the  proceedings  of  the  General  Society. 

Since  the  beginning  of  the  sale  of  the  first  edition, 
including  all  variations  and  editions  of  the  book, 
there  have  been  sold  to  the  present  time  not  less 
than  an  aggregate  of  300,000  copies ;  and  so  far  as 
the  annual  reports  of  the  trustees  show  there  have 
been  paid  by  them,  to  the  present  time,  $8,413.38 
into  the  treasury  of  the  General  Society.  This  sum 
does  not  include  what  the  present  publishers  have 
agreed  to  pay  on  the  Hymn  Book  and  the  Sunday- 
School  Hymnal.  The  contract  with  the  present  pub- 
lishers will  expire  June  15,  1885. 

Life  Directorships,  etc. —  For  the  first  twenty 
years  or  until  1869,  and  including  that  year,  the 
revenue  of  the  society  was  largely  derived  from  Life 
Directors,  Life  Members,  Annual  Members;  in- 
creased, however,  by  voluntary  contributions  from 
chui'ches  and  individuals. 


FDTANOES   OF  THE   GENERAL   SOCIETY.  167 

From  1870  to  1881  and  including  both  years,  the 
treasury  was  supplied  by  voluntary  and  irregular 
contributions  from  individuals  and  congregations ; 
and  small  dividends  from  State  treasuries,  the  States 
and  their  treasuries  being  in  theory  parts  of  the 
general  plan;  and  from  a  few  "five-year  pledges" 
which  were  taken  in  1870-6. 

Since  1881  the  receipts  have  been  from  voluntary 
but  irregular  contributions  from  churches  and  indi- 
viduals ;  from  State  treasuries ;  and  from  Annual 
and  Life  Members  ;  and  Life  Directors.  Excluding 
all  money  raised  by  agencies  of  the  society  for 
special  purposes,  such  as  building  meeting  houses, 
the  money  received  into  the  general  treasury  for  the 
specific  work  of  the  society  is  as  follows : 

1850 $2,882  00 

1851 927  77 

1852 3,869  91 

1853 1,715  51 

1854 4,338  31 

1855 3,097  04 

1856  3,037  40 

1857 3,272  66 

1858 7,050  28 

1859 7,100  93 

1860 15,831  25 

1861 7,188  80 

1862 6,773  09 

1863 7,644  66 

1864 6,086  04 

1865 10,445  30 

1866 11,902  86 

1867 10,910  74 

1868  7,569  00 

1869 7,525  50 


168  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

1870 $  4,529  91 

1871 4,308  15 

1872 2,80104 

1873 4,158  89 

1874 5,172  28 

1875 4,671  10 

1876 5,96181 

1877 3,327  03 

1878  2,091  44 

1879 5,883  27 

1880 '. 9,227  40 

1881 6,153  34 

1882 7,40180 

1883 6,044  26 


Total....,- $200,900  80 

To  this  amount  ought  to  be  added  not  less  than 
$300,000  which  the  records  show  were  raised  for 
special  and  supplemental  purposes  by  the  agencies 
of  the  General  Society ;  and  so  far  as  known  would 
not  have  been  raised  except  that  these  agencies  were 
employed.  It  is  safe  to  say  that  not  less  than  one- 
half  million  dollars  have  been  raised  directly  and  in- 
directly by  the  General  Society  since  its  organization 
to  the  present  time. 

Besides  this  large  sum,  the  receipts  into  the  State 
treasuries  have  been  greatly  increased  by  the  indi- 
rect agency  of  the  general  society. 

Until  1870  the  general  reports  do  not  include  the 
receipts  for  missions  in  the  various  States.  In  several 
of  the  States  as  Ohio,  Indiana,  Kentucky,  Illinois, 
and  Missouri  large  sums  of  money  had  been  raised 
for  local  missions,  previous  to  that  year;  but  as  they 


PINAJSrOES   OF  THE   GENERAL   SOCIETY.  169 

had  no  organic  relation  to  tlie  General  Society  tlie 
result  does  not  appear  in  the  annual  minutes  of  the 
convention. 

Since  1870,  so  far  as  possible,  a  summary  of  re- 
ceipts for  missions,  by  States  has  been  given. 

The  following  amounts  do  not  include  all  that  was 
raised  for  missions  in  all  the  States  but  they  include 
what  was  reported  to  the  General  Secretary  for  the 
years  named: 

1870 $32,104  17 

1871 44,577  56 

1872 61,800  30 

1873 91,517  79 

1874 68,557  00 

1875 63,476  76 

1876 42,645  24 

1877 42,683  71 

1878 53,080  23 

1879 30,372  10 

1880 49,920  79 

1881 52,342  12 

1882 74,038  91 

1883 52,367  50 

Total $749,384  17 

The  whole  amount  raised  for  missions  by  the  Gen- 
eral Society  since  1849,  and  by  the  State  societies 
since  1870,  so  far  as  reported  may  be  summarized  as 
follows : 

Raised  by  the  General  Society  for  its  primary  object . .  $200,900  80 
"  "  "  '♦  "  special  purposes.  300,000  00 
"  "    State  Societies  and  reported 749,384  17 

Grand  Total $1,250,284  97 


170  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

This  total  amount  does  not  include  what  has  been 
raised  by  small  co-operations,  either  county  or  dis- 
trict and  not  reported  through  the  State  societies ;  or 
individual  gifts  to  special  missions  not  under  the 
direction  of  either  the  State  or  General  Board ;  or 
receipts  into  the  treasuries  of  either  the  "  Christian 
Woman's  Board  of  Missions,"  or  the  "Foreign  Chris- 
tian Missionary  Society." 

Relatively  the  foregoing  aggregate  may  appear 
small  and  unworthy  for  so  large  a  number  of  mem- 
bers as  are  claimed  by  the  Disciples  of  Christ ;  and 
yet  taking  fairly  into  the  account  every  fact  it  is  no 
mean  financial  result.  But  it  ought  to  be  considered 
only  as  a  beginning,  a  sort  of  first  fruits  to  a  most 
bountiful  harvest. 


CHAPTER    VII. 
OFFICIARY  OF  THE  GENERAL  SOCIETY. 

PEESIDENTS. 

LEXANDER  CAMPBELL,  of  Virginia,  was 
L  the  first  president  of  the  General  Society. 
His  name  has  gone  out  into  aU  the  world, 
and  his  memory  is  immortal. 
He  was  bom  in  the  county  of  Antrim, 
Ireland,  September  12,  1788.  He  died  Lord's  day 
March  4,  1866.  He  was  president  of  the  society  by 
successive  annual  election  from  1849  to  1866.  His 
is  an  honorable  name  to  stand  at  the  head  of  the 
first  general  movement  toward  systematic  co-oper- 
ation among  the  Disciples  of  Christ.  "Distant 
generations  will  rank  him  among  the  many  God- 
given  that  have  blessed  our  earth." 

David  S.  Burnet,  of  Maryland,  was  the  second 
president  of  the  General  Society.  He  was  born  in 
Dayton,  Ohio,  July  6,  1808.  He  died  July  8,  1867. 
He  was  elected  president  in  1866,  and  remained  in 
office  Tintil  his  death  in  1867.  He  was  a  pulpit 
orator  of   no  mean  ability;  by  some    called    the 

171 


172  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

"silver  tongued  orator  of  the  Reformation."  He 
had  fine  executive  talent.  Perhaps  to  him  more 
than  any  other  one  man  are  the  Disciples  indebted 
for  their  present  system  of  missionary  societies. 

In  a  letter  written  February  28,  1867,  he  says :  "I 
consider  the  inauguration  of  oui"  society  system 
which  I  vowed  to  urge  upon  the  brethren,  if  God 
raised  me  from  my  protracted  illness  of  1845,  as  one 
of  the  most  important  acts  of  my  career." 

Richard  M.  Bishop,  of  Ohio,  was  the  third  presi- 
dent of  the  General  Society.  He  was  born  in  Flem- 
ing County,  Kentucky,  November  4, 1812.  He  is  yet 
living  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  He  was  elected  president 
of  the  society  in  1867  to  succeed  David  S.  Burnet, 
and  held  the  office  by  successive  election  until  1874. 
He  was  one  of  the  best  presiding  officers  the  society 
ever  had. 

Isaac  Errett,  of  Ohio,  was  the  fourth  president 
of  the  General  Society.  He  was  born  in  the  city  of 
i^ew  York,  January  2, 1820.  He  is  yet  living  in  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio,  and  is  editor-in-chief  of  the  Christian 
Standard.  He  was  elected  president  of  the  General 
Society  in  1874,  to  succeed  Richard  M.  Bishoj),  and 
served  the  society  in  that  capacity  until  1876.  As  a 
presiding  officer  over  such  an  organization  it  would 
be  difficult  to  find  his  superior. 

W.  K.  Pendleton,  of  West  Virginia,  was  the  fifth 
president  of  the  General  Society.  He  was  born  in 
Louisa  County,  Virginia,  September  8,  1817.  He  is 
yet  living  in  Bethany,  West  Virginia.  After  the 
death  of  Alexander  Campbell  he  was  chosen  to  sue- 


OFFICIARY   OF   THE   GENERAL   SOCIETY.  173 

ceed  him  as  President  of  Bethany  College — a  position 
which  he  now  holds.  He  was  elected  president  of  the 
General  Society  in  1876  to  succeed  Isaac  Errett,  and 
held  the  office  until  1877. 

Alvin  I.  HoBBS,  of  Illinois,  was  the  sixth  president 
of  the  General  Society.  He  was  born  in  Cross  Plains, 
Ripley  County,  Indiana,  March  13,  1834,  He  is  yet 
living,  and  pastor  of  the  First  Christian  Church, 
Louisville,  Kentucky.  He  was  elected  president  of 
the  General  Society  in  1877  and  held  the  office  for 
one  year,  presiding  over  the  convention  in  Cincinnati 
in  1878. 

At  the  convention  for  1878  it  was  informally 
adopted  as  a  rule  of  the  body  to  elect  its  president 
for  a  single  term.  In  consequence  of  the  adoption 
of  this  rule  he  was  not  re-elected  according  to  previ- 
ous custom.  He  made  an  excellent  presiding  officer. 
WiisTTiiROP  H.  Hopsoisr,  of  Kentucky,  was  the  seventh 
president  of  the  General  Society.  He  was  bom  in 
Christian  County,  Kentucky,  April  26,  1823.  He  is 
yet  living  in  Nashville,  Tennessee.  He  was  elected 
i:>resident  of  the  General  Society  in  1878  and  pre- 
sided over  the  convention  at  Bloomington,  Hlinois, 
in  1879.  He  was  a  member  of  the  convention  in 
1849  at  which  time  the  society  was  organized.  At 
that  time  he  was  only  twenty-six  years  of  age. 

Thomas  P.  Haley,  of  Missouri,  was  the  eighth 
president  of  the  General  Society.  He  was  born  in 
Fayette  County,  Kentucky,  April  19,  1832.  He  was 
elected  president  of  the  General  Society  in  1879  and 
presided  over  the  convention  in  Louisville,  Kentucky, 


174  CHRISTIAlSr  MISSIOIiS. 

ill  1880.  He  is  yet  living  in  Kansas  City,  Missonri, 
and  pastor  of  the  Christian  church  in  that  city. 

Robert  Moffett,  of  Ohio,  was  the  ninth  president 
of  the  General  Society.  He  was  bom  in  Laporte 
County,  Indiana,  November  9, 1835.  He  is  yet  living 
in  Cleveland,  Ohio ;  and,  at  present,  is  the  Corres- 
ponding Secretary  of  the  General  Christian  Mission- 
ary Convention,  and  the  Ohio  Christian  Missionary 
Society.  He  was  elected  president  of  the  General 
Society  in  1880,  and  presided  at  the  convention  in 
Indianapolis,  Indiana,  in  1881. 

Ben^jamen"  B.  Tyler,  of  Kentucky,  was  the  tenth 
president  of  the  General  Societ}''.  He  was  born  in 
Macon  County,  Illinois,  near  Decatur,  April  9,  1840. 
He  is  yet  living  in  the  city  of  New  York  where  he 
is  pastor  of  the  First  Church  of  Christ.  He  was 
elected  president  of  the  General  Society  in  1881  and 
presided  at  the  "  great  convention "  in  Lexington, 
Kentucky,  in  1882. 

David  R.  Dungan"  was  the  eleventh  president  of 
the  General  Society.  He  was  born  in  Noble  County, 
Indiana,  May  15,  1837.  He  is  yet  living,  in  Des 
Moines,  Iowa,  where  he  presides  over  the  biblical 
department  of  Drake  University.  He  was  elected 
president  of  the  General  Society  in  1882  and  presided 
at  the  convention  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  in  1883. 

A.  G.  Thomas,  of  Georgia,  is  the  twelfth  president 
of  the  General  Society.  He  was  bom  in  Twiggs 
County,  Georgia,  June  10,  1833. 

At  present  he  lives  at  Atlanta,  Georgia,  and  is 
pastor  of  the  Christian  church  in  that  city.    He  was 


FUSTANOES   OF  THE   GENERAL   SOCIETY.  175 

elected  president  of  the  General  Society  in  1883  and 
will,  the  Lord  willing,  preside  over  the  convention  in 
St.  Louis  in  1884. 

CORRESPONDma   SEORETAEIES. 

Thirteen  persons  have  held  the  office  of  Corres- 
ponding Secretary  in  the  General  Society  since  its 
organization  in  1849,  viz.:  James  Cliallen,  Thurston 
Crane,  D.  S.  Burnet,  C.  L.  Loos,  Benjamin  Franklin, 
Isaac  Errett,  B.  W.  Johnson,  O.  A.  Burgess,  W.  C. 
Rogers,  John  Shackleford,  Thomas  Munnell,  F.  M. 
Green,  and  Robert  Moffett. 

Of  these  James  Challen,  Thurston  Crane,  C.  L. 
Loos,  Benjamin  Franklin,  B.  W.  Johnson,  O.  A. 
Burgess,  and  W.  C.  Rogers  held  the  office  for  less 
than  two  years,  the  most  of  them  for  less  than  one 
year.  D.  S.  Burnet  held  the  office  at  different  elec- 
tions for  eight  years  ;  Isaac  Errett  for  three  years ; 
John  Shacklefoid  for  two  year?  ;  Thomas  Munnell 
for  nine  years ;  F.  M.  Green  for  five  years ;  and 
Robert  Moffett  who  occupies  the  office  at  present, 
has  entered  on  his  second  year. 

James  ChallejS",  of  Ohio,  was  the  ^rst  Correspond- 
ing Secretary  of  the  General  Society.  He  was  born 
in  Hackensack,  New  Jersey,  January  29,  1802.  He 
died  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  December  9, 1878.  He  was 
elected  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  society  in 
1849 ;  and  to  him  much  is  due  for  the  origin  and 
growth  of  the  missionary  work  among  the  Disciples. 
He  was  at  the  organization  of  the  society  and  it 


176  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

was  on  Ms  motion  that  the  name,  American  Chris- 
tian Missionary  Society  was  adopted.  He  was  widely 
known  and  tenderly  beloved. 

Thueston  Ckane,  of  Ohio,  succeeded  James  Chal- 
len  in  the  office  of  Corresponding  Secretary,  and 
served  the  society  in  that  position  for  less  than  one 
year.  He  died  in  1861.  He  was  a  good  and  useful 
man,  always  punctual  and  reliable. 

David  S.  Buknet  was  elected  Corresponding 
Secretary  in  1851  and  held  the  office,  except  during 
the  years  1857,  1858, 1859,  1860  until  1863. 

C.  L.  Loos  and  Benjamin  Feanklin  served  the 
society  in  1857.  C.  L.  Loos  was  born  in  France,  De- 
cember 22,  1823.  He  is  yet  living  at  Lexington, 
Kentucky,  and  President  of  Kentucky  University. 
Benjamin  Franklin  was  born  in  Belmont  County, 
Ohio,  February  1,  1812.  He  died  in  1878.  At  the 
time  of  his  death  and  for  several  years  preceding 
he  was  not  in  sympathy  with  the  society. 

Isaac  Ereett  was  elected  Corresponding  Secre- 
tary in  1857  and  served  until  1860.  His  administra- 
tion of  the  affairs  of  the  society  was  eminently 
successful.  In  1860  he  raised  $15,831.25  for  the  Gen- 
eral Treasury,  the  largest  amount  ever  received  into 
the  special  treasury  of  the  society,  during  a  single 
year. 

B.  W.  JoTiNSON,  of  Illinois,  served  the  society  in 
1864  and  for  a  portion  of  1865.  He  was  born  at 
Washington,  Illinois,  October  24, 1833,  or  "  rather  in 
a  log  cabin  where  Washington  now  stands."    He  is 


FESTANCES   OF   THE   GEISTERAL   SOCIETY.  177 

yet  living  in  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  and  is  one  of  the 
editors  of  the  Christian-EGangelist. 

O.  A.  Burgess,  of  Illinois,  acted  as  Corresponding 
Secretary  for  a  part  of  the  year  1865.  He  was  born 
in  Thompson,  Windham  Co.,  Connecticut.,  August 
26,  1829.  He  died  in  Chicago,  HI.,  March,  14,  1882. 
"  He  was  one  of  the  manliest  of  men ;  one  of  the 
tenderest  of  friends  ;  one  of  the  bravest  defenders  of 
the  faith ;    and  a  sincere  and  humble  Christian." 

W.  C.  Rogers,  of  Missouri,  was  elected  in  1865 
and  served  for  a  part  of  the  missionary  year.  He 
was  born  in  Clinton  County,  Ohio,  June  10,  1828. 
He  graduated  in  1852  at  Bethany  College.  He  is 
3^et  living  at  Cameron,  Missouri,  an  earnest  Christian 
worker,  contented  and  happy. 

JoHisr  Shackleford,  of  Kentucky,  succeeded  him 
in  the  ofl&ce.  He  was  elected  in  1866  and  remained 
in  office  until  1868.  He  was  born  in  Mason  County, 
Kentucky,  October  27, 1834.  He  is  yet  living,  and  at 
present  is  one  of  the  Professors  in  the  Kentucky 
Agricultural  College  at  Lexington. 

Thomas  Mtootell,  of  Kentucky,  was  elected  Cor- 
responding Secretary  in  1868  and  served  the  society 
until  the  close  of  the  year  1877.  The  years  of  his 
service  were  eventful  years  in  the  history  of  the  so- 
ciety ;  but  through  them  all  he  moved  with  unflinch- 
ing steadiness  toward  success.  He  was  born  in  Ohio 
County,  West  Virginia,  February  8,  1823.  He  is  yet 
living  at  Mount  Sterling,  Kentucky,  and  is  laboring 
with  his  old-time  pluck  and  energy  as  State  Evangel- 
ist.    It  was  during  the  lirst  years  of  his  administra- 

12 


178  CHRISTIAN   MISSIOT^S. 

tion  of  the  affairs  of  the  General  Society  that  the 
"Louisville  Plan"  was  adopted;  and  all  that  any 
one  man  could  do  to  make  it  a  success  was  done  by 
him. 

F.  M.  Green,  of  Ohio,  was  appointed  to  the  office 
in  1877,  and  continued  in  the  office  by  successive 
elections  until  November,  1882.  He  was  born  in  Nor- 
ton, Summit  County,  Ohio,  September  28, 1836.  He 
is  yet  living  near  Kent,  Ohio,  and  at  the  present  time 
is  one  of  the  editorial  staff  of  the  CTiristian  Stand- 
ard. During  his  administration  the  present  Consti- 
tution of  the  General  Society  was  adopted  and  Life 
Memberships  and  Life  Directorships  restored. 

Robert  Moffett,  of  Ohio,  was  elected  Correspond- 
ing Secretary  in  1882,  and  by  re-election  in  1883  is 
now  the  incumbent  of  the  office. 

BOARD    OF  managers. 

The  following  different  persons  have  been  members 
of  the  Board  of  Managers  since  the  organization  of 
the  society  in  1849  —  the  year  preceding  their  names 
indicating  the  year  of  their  election — the  first  twenty- 
five  names  comprising  the  first  Board  elected.  No 
note  is  made  of  the  time  each  one  served,  though 
some  of  the  names  found  in  the  earlier  Boards  are 
found  in  the  present  Board. 

1849.— T.  J.  Melish,  George  Tait,  S.  S.  Clark,  Dr. 
P.  B.  Lawson,  T.  J.  Murdock,  H.  Hathaway,  Lewis 
Wells,  Thurston  Crane,  C.  H.  Gould,  Dr.  N.  T.  Mar- 
shall, R.  J.  Latimer,  James  Leslie,  Andrew  Leslie, 


FINAIN^CES   OF   THE   GEISTERAL   SOCIETY.  179 

W.  A.  Trowbridge,  John  Taffe,  Samuel  Church,  E.  L. 
Coleman,  Elijah  Goodwin,  S.  S.  Church,  Alexander 
Hall,  George  McManus,  "William  Morton,  Philip  S. 
Fall,  Alex  Gould,  and  Jesse  B.  Ferguson. 

1850.— S.  W.  Reeder,  Benjamin  Franklin,  E.  Fisk, 
George  S.  Jenkins,  S.  G.  Burnet,  N".  S.  HubbeU,  J.  N. 
Payne,  A.  S.  Hayden,  and  S.  J.  Pinkerton. 

1853. — ^John  A.  Dearborn,  Harvey  Hamilton, 
George  W.  Bishop,  Jacob  Burnet,  Dr.  James  Hop- 
ple, John  M.  BramweU,  R.  M.  Bishop,  W.  B.  Mook- 
lar,  John  D.  StiUweU,  J.  J.  Moss,  A.  B.  Green,  W.  M. 
Irvin,  and  Isaac  Strickle. 

1854.— W.  P.  Stratton,  Josiah  Forbes,  Butler  K. 
Smith,  W.  S.  Gray,  and  John  I.  Rogers. 

1856.— W.  W.  Eaton,  WiUiam  S.  Dickinson,  H.  S. 
Bosworth,  Edward  B.  Howell,  Charles  D.  Hurlbutt, 
W.  K.  Pendleton,  W.  J.  Pettigrew,  J.  D.  Pickett, 
Thomas  N.  Arnold,  James  Trabue,  Samuel  Ayers, 
W.  H.  Postlewaite,  George  D.  McGrew,  Moses  E. 
Lard,  and  Love  H.  Jameson. 

1857. — Henry  Pearce,  T.  H.  Moore,  J.  Harrison 
Jones,  and  Aaron  Chatterton. 

1858.— Thomas  MunneU,  E.  H.  Hawley,  W.  C. 
Holton,  and  W.  H.  Lape. 

1859.— James  McGiU,  James  Challen,  J.  M.  Tilford, 
A.  B.  Fenton,  and  John  Rogers. 

I860.— J.  F.  Mills,  and  J.  W.  McGarvey. 

1861.— Dr.  E.  "Williams,  T.  F.  Marsh,  and  M.  J. 
Dennis. 

1862.— 0.  M.  Talbot,  and  Robert  Graham. 


180  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

1863.— William  Baxter,  M.  H.  Slosson,  Jolin 
Shackleford,  James  K.  Cliallen,  and  Thomas  A. 
Conway. 

1864.— 0.  A.  Burgess,  C.  L.  Loos,  B.  W.  Wasson, 
and  James  W.  Allen. 

1865.— P.  B.  Wiles,  A.  I.  Hobbs,  S.  P.  Hale,  and 
George  W.  Rice. 

1866.— D.  P.  Henderson,  W.  C.  Eogers,  John  S. 
Sweeney,  J.  F.  Davis,  Amos  Tooker,  and  W.  T. 
Moore. 

1867.— A.  D.  Fillmore,  J.  W.  Goss,  and  Vincent 
Shinkle. 

1868.— P.  B.  Roberts,  Melvin  W.  McKee,  F.  M. 
Kibbey,  John  W.  Hall  and  James  Fisher. 

1869.— Alexander  Procter,  G.  W.  Abell,  G.  W. 
N.  Yost,  W.  H.  Hopson,  W.  M.  Roe,  W.  A.  Belding, 
P.  Blaisdell,  J.  S.  Lamar,  W.  D.  Carnes,  Robert 
Motfett,  and  T.  D.  Garvin. 

1870.— R.  R.  Sloan;  1871.— Joseph  F.  Wright; 
1875.— D.  W.  Chase ;  1877.— F.  M.  Green  ;  1878.— J. 
H.  Lockwood,  and  Joseph  Smith  Jr. ;  1879. — J.  F. 
Fisk,  and  O.  A.  Bartholomew ;  1881.— E.  T.  Wil- 
liams, and  W.  M.  M.  Lee;  1882.— S.  G.Boyd;  1883. 
— S.  M.  Jefferson,  J.  R.  GafF,  and  H.  McDiarniid. 

RECORDING   SECRETARIES. 

The  following  persons  have  been  elected  to  the 
office  of  Recording  Secretary  of  the  General  Society : 
George  S.  Jenkins,  Thomas  J.  Melish,  William  C. 
Irwin,  Charles  W.  Franklin,  Jacob  l^nrnet,  H.  S.  Bos- 
worth,  W.  B.  Ebbert,  F.   M.  Green,  W.  C.  Dawson, 


FINANCES   OF  THE   GENEKAL   SOCIETY.  181 

D.  ^Y.  Chase,  J.  W.  McGarvey,  John  C.  Miller,  I.  B. 
Grubbs,  K  S.  Haynes,  M.  L.  Streator,  J.  W.  Mountjoy, 
George  Darsie,  F.  D.  Power,  J.  H.  Wright,  and 
W.  H.  D  rapier. 

Of  those  who  did  the  work  of  the  office  for  over 
two  years  are :  William  C.  Irwin,  Jacob  Burnet,  H.  S. 
Bosworth,  F.  M.  Green,  D.  W.  Chase,  and  W.  H. 
Drapier. 

Jacob  Burnet  served  for  sixteen  years  ;  H.  S.  Bos- 
worth for  eight  years ;  F.  M.  Green  for  eight  years  ; 
and  W.  H.  Drapier  since  his  election  in  1880. 

TEEASURERS. 

The  General  Society  has  had  for  Treasurers  the 
following  persons  :  Its  lirst  Treasurer  was  Archibald 
Trowbridge,  who  held  the  office  from  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  society  until  1853.  He  was  succeeded  by 
George  Tait,  who  held  the  office  until  1859.  He  was 
succeeded  by  George  W.  Bishop,  who  held  the  office 
until  1866.  He  was  succeeded  by  W.  S.  Dickinson, 
who  held  the  office  until  1874.  He  was  succeeded 
by  W.  H.  Lape,  who  held  the  office  for  one  year. 
He  was  succeeded  by  James  Leslie,  who  held  the 
office  until  1879.  He  was  succeeded  by  Joseph 
Smith,  Jr.,  who  has  held  the  office  by  successive 
elections  until  the  present  time. 

The  society  has  been  very  fortunate  in  its  selection 
of  men  for  this  office.  N"o  losses  have  occurred 
through  fault  of  its  Treasurer  during  the  thirty-four 
years  of  its  history. 

Altogether,  the  officiary  of  the  Society  has  been 
creditable  from  the  beginning. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

THE  GEI^ERAL  CONVENTION  AND  THE 
CHURCHES. 

^^  T  ig  not  a  seriously  difficult  matter  to  file  ob- 
jections to  missionary  societies  or  any  other 
good  thing.  Individuals  of  very  moderate 
ability  are  abundantly  competent  to  this 
task.  And  objections  have  been  made  to  the 
General  Christian  Missionary  Convention. 

Perhaps  it  would  not  be  possible  to  select  from  the 
many  objections  urged  against  it  with  more  or  less 
force,  any  more  inane  than  that  the  society  is  likely 
to  develop  into  a  great  "  ecclesiastical  despotism." 
And  yet  just  such  a  charge  is  made  against  it  as 
lately  as  the  year  1883.  Churches  are  warned  against 
it  as  something  likely  to  rob  them  of  their  liberty 
in  Christ ;  and  if  they  are  not  thoroughly  awake  to 
the  danger,  they  will  be  "drawn  into  it  and  drugged." 
Nothing  could  be  more  ridiculous  and  idiotic  than 
such  a  charge.  The  history  of  missionary  societies 
does  not  furnish  an  example  of  one  that  has  ever 
developed  even  in  the  smallest  degree  into  a  despot 
over  the  churches.    Every  membership  is  voluntary, 

182 


GENERAL   CONVENTION   AND   CHURCHES.  183 

whether  of  individuals,  churches,  or  associations  of 
churches,  and  cannot  be  perverted  into  a  despotism 
over  itself. 

The  records  of  the  American  Christian  Mission- 
ary Society  for  twenty  years,  and  the  records  of  the 
General  Cliristian  Missionary  Convention  for  four- 
teen years  do  not  reveal  a  single  resolution  which 
even  has  the  ring  of  a  mandate  to  the  churches  in 
reference  to  any  matter  of  faith  or  church  government. 

The  only  question  upon  which  the  society  speaks 
with  power  is  on  the  question  of  methods  of  working 
and  upon  that  question  its  uniform  approach  to  in- 
dividuals and  to  churches  has  been  by  the  way  of 
recommendation,  request,  or  appeal.  In  the  thirty- 
four  years  of  its  history,  over  four  hundred  reports 
and  special  resolutions  have  been  offered  at  the  an- 
nual meetings  of  the  General  Society.  In  all  these 
reports  and  resolutions  there  is  not  one  that  in- 
fringes upon  either  the  rights  of  the  churches  or 
individuals.  Such  words  as  induce,  recommend,  en- 
treat, solicit,  request  are  uniformly  used  in  all  these 
reports. 

Is  the  question  one  which  concerns  the  churches 
and  their  ministers,  then  the  language  is, 

^^  Resolved^  That  this  convention  recommend  to 
our  churches,  not  to  countenance  as  a  preacher,  any 
man  who  is  not  sustained  and  acknowledged  by  two 
or  more  churches ; "  or, 

"  Resolved,  That  this  convention  earnestly  recom- 
mend to  the  congregations  to  countenance  no  evan- 


184  CHRISTIAN    MISSION'S. 

gelist  who  is  not  well  reported  of  for  piety  and  proper 
evangelical  qualifications,  and  that  they  be  rigid  and 
critical  in  their  examination  of  such  report." 

Is  the  question  concerning  Sunday-schools,  then 
the  resolution  is  as  follows : 

'"''Resolved,  That  we  strongly  recommend  to  the 
churches  the  duty  and  importance  of  organizing  and 
establishing  Sunday-schools  in  every  congregation." 

Does  the  matter  relate  to  foreign  missions,  then  the 
language  is,  "That  the  churches  be  requested  by  this 
convention,  to  lift  at  least  one  special  collection  dur- 
ing the  ensuing  missionary  year,  for  the  benefit  of 
our  foreign  missionary  work ;  and  that  on  this  Lord's 
day,  our  preachers  be  requested  to  deliver  a  discourse 
on  the  subject  of  foreign  missions ;  and  at  the  weekly , 
prayer  meeting  preceding,  they  be  made  the  subject 
of  special  prayer  and  conference." 

In  this  delicate  and  polite  way  are  all  the  churches 
and  individuals  approached  concerning  that  which 
the  wisdom  of  the  convention  has  devised. 

Nothing  would  be  said  concerning  these  things, 
were  it  not  that  no  correct  history  of  the  General  So- 
ciety can  be  written,  which  ignores  these  trivial  and 
inane  charges,  to  which  the  foregoing  selections  from 
the  minutes  of  the  society  furnish  a  sufiicient  reply. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  how  constantly  and  steadily 
the  one  great  object  of  all  the  missionary  societies, 
state  and  general,  has  been  kept  prominent  from  the 
beginning.  This  one  fact  is  worth  a  ton  of  insane 
prophecy,  concerning  the  "growing  ecclesiasticism," 
which  the  General  Convention  is  pronounced  to  be. 


GENEKAL   CONVENTIOlSr   AND   CHURCHES.         185 

In  the  first  draft  of  the  Constitution  of  the  American 
Christian  Missionary  Society,  Article  11  reads  as 
follows:  "The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  pro- 
mote the  preaching  of  the  gospel  in  this  and  other 
lands."  In  the  Constitution  as  finally  adopted  it 
reads :  "The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  pro- 
mote the  preaching  of  the  gospel  in  destitute  places, 
of  this  and  other  lands." 

In  1856  it  was  made  to  read:  "The  object  of  this 
society  shall  be  to  disseminate  the  gospel  in  this  and 
other  lands." 

In  1869  it  was  changed  to  the  following  form :  "Its 
object  shall  be  the  spread  of  the  gospel  in  this  and 
in  other  lands,  according  to  the  following  plan  of 
church  co-operation." 

At  present  it  reads:  "Its  object  shall  be  the 
spread  of  the  gospel  in  this  and  in  other  lands." 

The  State  missionary  societies  which  since  1870 
have  been  considered  integral  parts  of  the  general 
work  have  been  equally  explicit  in  the  statement  of 
their  object. 

Article  II  of  the  Constitution  of  the  "  Christian 
Missionary  Society  of  the  State  of  Ohio"  reads: 
"The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  devise  ways 
and  means  for  the  proclamation  of  the  ancient  gospel 
within  the  bounds  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  but  it  may 
also  appropriate  funds  for  other  fields."  At  the  or- 
ganization of  the  society  in  1852  the  article  read  as 
follows  :  "  The  only  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to 
devise  ways  and  means  for  the  proclamation  of  the 
gospel  within  the  bounds  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  by 


186  OHRISTIAN  MISSION'S. 

assisting  weak  churclies,  and  disseminating  the  truth 
in  destitute  regions."  This  article  remained  in  force 
until  the  "Louisville  Plan"  was  adopted  when  it 
was  changed  to  its  present  form,  in  order  that  the 
society  might  act  in  harmony  and  partnership  with 
the  General  Society. 

The  "Nebraska  State  Missionary  Society"  de- 
clares its  object  to  be:  "The  object  of  this  society 
shall  be  to  spread  the  gospel,  aid  weak  churches, 
and  devise  means  by  donations,  contributions,  be- 
quests, and  to  employ  men  to  accomplish  this  mis- 
sionary work." 

The  "North  Carolina  Christian  Missionary  Con- 
vention" says:  "Its  object  shall  be  to  devise  ways 
and  means  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel  in  North 
Carolina,  but  may  raise  and  appropriate  funds  for 
other  fields," 

The  "  New  York  Christian  Missionary  Society " 
declares  its  object  as  follows  :  "The  object  of  this 
society  shall  be  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  the 
proclamation  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  in  desti- 
tute places  and  to  assist  weak  churches  within  the 
bounds  of  the  State  of  New  York ;  but  it  may  appro- 
priate funds  for  other  fields." 

The  "Missionary  Society  of  the  Churches  of  Christ 
in  Indiana,"  declares  its  object  as  follows :  "The  ob- 
ject of  this  association  shall  be  to  preach  the  gospel 
and  organize  congregations  of  the  Church  of  Christ ; 
and  co-operate  with  all  missionary  societies  and 
enterprises  of  our  Christian  brotherhood." 


GENERAL   CONVENTION   AND   CHURCHES.         187 

The  "Iowa  Christian  Convention"  says :  "  The  ob- 
ject of  the  corporation  shall  be  the  promotion  of  the 
general  interests  of  the  Church  of  Christ  in  Iowa, 
including  missions,  Bible  schools,  education  and  a 
pure  literature." 

The  " Missouri  Christian  Convention "  says  :  "Its 
object  shaU  be  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  the 
spread  of  the  gospel  and  the  establishment  of 
churches  of  Christ  in  this  State ;  and  in  co-operation 
with  the  General  Christian  Missionary  Convention  to 
aid  in  sending  abroad  the  word  of  the  Lord  through 
our  whole  country." 

"The  Arkansas  Christian  Missionary  Convention" : 
"Its  object  shall  be  to  devise  ways  and  means  to 
preach  the  gospel  of  Christ  within  the  State  of  Ar- 
kansas ;  but  money  may  be  appropriated  to  work 
in  other  fields." 

The  "  West  Virginia  Christian  Missionary  Conven- 
tion " :  "  The  object  of  this  organization  shall  be  the 
spread  of  the  gospel  in  this  State,  and  in  co-operation 
with  the  General  Christian  Missionary  Convention 
and  in  harmony  with  the  constitution  thereof,  in 
destitute  regions  beyond." 

"  Christian  Missionary  Society  of  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania"  says:  "To  secure  the  co-operation 
of  all  members  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  in  our  State, 
to  raise  means  to  preach  the  gospel  in  destitute  re- 
gions, to  assist  missions  already  begun,  and  to  help 
on  the  work  of  evangelizing  the  State." 

"  Michigan  Christian  Missionary  Association :  " 
"Its  object  shall  be  to  disseminate  the  gospel  and 


188  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

to  promote  true  piety  and  Christian  activity  among 
the  congregations,  and  it  will  act  as  auxilliary  to  the 
General  Christian  Missionary  Convention." 

"The  Foreign  Christian  Misssonary  Society"  :  "Its 
object  shall  be  to  make  disciples  of  all  nations  and 
teach  them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  Christ 
has  commanded." 

"Christian  Woman's  Board  of  Missions "  :  "Its 
object  shall  be  to  cultivate  a  missionary  spirit,  to 
encourage  missionary  efforts  in  our  churches,  to  dis- 
seminate missionary  intelligence,  and  to  secure  sys- 
tematic contributions  for  missionary  purposes." 

Thus  do  these  various  constitutions  speak  with  re- 
gard to  the  object  of  these  various  societies.  Their 
object  is  one, — to  preach  the  gospel  and  teach  the 
observance  of  Christ's  commandments.  They  are 
not,  neither  can  they  be  ecclesiastical  despotisms." 


CHAPTER  IX. 

RESULTS  OF  GENERAL  MISSIOJN"  WORK. 

T  is  impossible  to  put  into  statistical  tables 
the  absolute  results  of  the  missions  started 
and  sustained  by  the  General  Society  and  the 
agencies  it  has  put  into  operation. 
How  many  churches  have  been  saved  from 
perishing;  how  many  churches  have  been  made 
strong  and  active ;  how  many  preachers  have  been 
saved  to  the  cause  of  Christ ;  how  many  flocks  have 
now  good  pastoral  care ;  how  many  individual  Chris- 
tians are  wearing  the  crown  of  well-doing  in  conse- 
quence of  the  faithful  labor  of  the  missionaries  sent 
out  by  these  societies,  may  never  be  known  with 
absolute  exactness.  Perhaps  it  is  well  enough  that 
they  are  not  known ;  but  there  are  some  facts  which 
have  been  recorded  year  by  year  which  help  to  shed 
"  light "  on  the  value  of  missionary  societies,  as 
agencies  in  the  evangelization  of  the  world. 

ADDITIOlSrS. 

In  the  one  matter  of  additions  to  the  church  the 
records  of  the  General  Society  reveal  the  follow- 

189 


190  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

ing  numbers  for  the  years  named.  So  far  as  possi- 
ble, only  baptisms  are  reported  in  these  numbers  as 
additions : 

1850 95 

1851 132 

1852 160 

1853 145 

1854 231 

1855 327 

1856 65 

1857 124 

1858 112 

1859 155 

1860 1,590 

1861 1,871 

1862 1,265 

1863 1,343 

1864 540 

1865 380 

1866 1,676 

1867 1,267 

1868 852 

1869  770 

1870 417 

1871 619 

1872 281 

1873 422 

1874 420 

1875 330 

1 876 350 

1877 223 

1878 126 

1879 408 

.  1880 791 

1881 503 

1882 680 

1883 (Estimated)  205 

Total  18,766 


RESULTS   OF   GE]SrERAL  MISSION  WORK.  191 

The  additions  gained  to  the  church  through  aux- 
iliary State  societies  have  been  for  the  years  named 
as  follows : 

1870 2,923 

1871 6,191 

1872 6,699 

1873 9,466 

1874 4,602 

1875 3,517 

1876 4,100 

1877 3,563 

1878 3,363 

1879 2,362 

1880 3,062 

1881 2,580 

1882 3,612 

1883 4,087 

Total 60,127 

Grand  Total 78,892 

GEISTERAL  STATISTICS. 

In  1878  the  following  resolution  concerning  "  statis- 
tics "  was  adopted : 

"  Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed 
to  collect  the  statistics  of  our  people,  and  prepare 
a  statement  of  them  to  be  inserted  in  the  United 
States  Census  to  be  issued  in  1880." 

The  Committee  consisted  of  F.  M.  Green,  J.  B. 
Briney,  Robert  Moflfett,  Elias  Sias,  and  L.  L.  Carpen- 
ter. The  larger  part  of  the  work  of  the  committee 
was  performed  by  the  chairman,  who  was  at  the 
time  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  General 
Society.    Detailed  reports  were  received  from  nearly 


192 


CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 


two  thousand  congregations.  With  these  reports  as 
a  basis  a  table  of  actual  and  estimated  numbers 
was  presented  in  1880.  That  table  somewhat  modi- 
fied by  later  statistical  information,  and  including 
white  and  colored  churches  is  as  follows : 


TABLE  OF  STATISTICS. 

states.                                   No.  of  Churches.       Preachers.  Members. 

Alabama 35  28  3,525 

Arkansas 56  45  10,928 

California 62  43  6,988 

Colorado 16  12  1,750 

Connecticut 6  4  875 

Dakota 7  6  675 

District  of  Columbia 1  1  330 

Florida  14  11  925 

Georgia 95  57  10,890 

Illinois 655  550  80,275 

Indiana 715  595  90,685 

Iowa 215  115  18,860 

Kansas 135  101  20,000 

Kentucky 615  495  70,525 

Louisiana 15  9  1,275 

Maine 7  5  925 

Maryland    9  5  1,500 

Massachusetts 7  5  1,240 

Michigan 125  75  9,875 

Minnesota 40  15  1,725 

Mississippi 15  12  2,370 

Missouri 585  428  65,950 

Montana  6  4  675 

Nebraska 116  57  6,300 

New  York 49  39  5,950 

North  Carolina 105  85  10,800 

Ohio 435  219  48,500 

Oregon 55  35  6,750 

Pennsylvania 115  97  15,000 

Rhode  Island 1  1  30 


RESULTS   OF   GENERAL   MISSION   WORK.  193 

States.                                     No.  of  Cluirches.        Preachers.  Members. 

South  Carolina 25  18  2,925 

Tennessee 275  195  40,850 

Texas 165  138  20,500 

Vermont 3  2  4-5 

Virginia 150  115  15,250 

Washington  Territory 1  1  75 

West  Virginia 75  48  8,750 

Wisconsin 21  12  2,575 

Wyoming  Territory 1  1  95 

Total 5,028  3,683  581,141 

The  national  census  of  1880  reports  the  nnmlber  of 
the  Disciples  in  the  United  States  as  4681  churches  ; 
3,658  preachers ;  and  567,448  members. 

It  is  quite  likely  if  the  exact  statistics  could  be 
obtained  it  would  be  found  that  the  Disciples  of 
Christ  in  the  United  States  and  territories  do  not 
number  less  than  six  hundred  thousand.  Perhaps 
it  would  not  be  fruitful  of  pleasant  memories  to 
inquire  how  many  of  this  number  are  real  and 
active  members  and  how  many  "have  a  name  to  live 
and  are  dead."  Whatever  may  be  the  merit  or  de- 
merit of  the  foregoing  table  of  statistics,  the  Gen- 
eral Christian  Missionary  Conxiention  is  entitled  to 
the  credit  of  having  made  the  first  measurably  suc- 
cessful attempt  to  get  at  the  exact  numbers. 


18 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE  FOREiaN  CHRISTIAl^  MISSIOJNTARY 
SOCIETY. 

'HE  Foreign  Christian  Missionary  Society  was 
organized  in  Louisville,  Kentucky,  October 
21,  1875.  At  tlie  temporary  organization 
W.  T.  Moore  occupied  the  chair,  and  B.  B, 
Tyler  acted  as  Secretary.  So  far  as  has  yet 
appeared,  no  full  record  was  kept  of  those  who  were 
present  at  the  first  meeting  and  participated  in  the 
organization.  But  the  following  persons  are  known 
to  have  been  present :  Isaac  Errett,  B.  B.  Tyler,  W. 
T.  Moore,  Thomas  Munnell,  F.  M.  Green,  J.  B.  Bow- 
man, W.  F.  Black,  J.  C.  Reynolds,  Robert  Moffett, 
A.  I.  Hobbs,  J.  S.  Lamar,  R.  M.  Bishop,  W.  S.  Dick- 
inson, Calvin  S.  Blackwell,  L.  Lane,  John  Shackle- 
ford,  and  David  Walk.  It  is  probable  that  others 
were  present  but  their  names  do  not  appear  upon 
the  records.  The  following  is  the  Constitution  which 
was  adopted  at  that  meeting,  which  with  very  slight 
modification,  is  the  same  as  at  present : 

Art.  I. — The  name  of  this  organization  shall  be, 
"  The  Foreign  Christian  Missionary  Society." 

194 


THE  F.   0.   M.   SOCIETY.  195 

Abt.  n. — Its  object  shall  be  to  make  disciples  of 
all  nations,  and  teach  them  to  observe  all  things 
whatsoever  Christ  has  commanded. 

Akt.  in, — This  Society  shall  be  composed  of  Life 
Directors,  Life  Members  and  Annual  Members. 

Aet.  IV. — Its  officers  shall  be  a  President,  three 
Vice-Presidents,  a  Recording  Secretary,  a  Corres- 
ponding Secretary  and  a  Treasurer,  who  shall  be 
elected  annually. 

Aet.  V. — The  officers  of  the  Society  shall  consti- 
tute an  Executive  Committee  who  shall  manage  the 
affairs  of  the  Society  during  the  intervals  of  the 
Board  meetings.  A  majority  shall  be  competent  to 
transact  business. 

Aet,  VI. — Any  member  of  the  Church  of  Christ 
may  become  a  Life  Director  by  the  Payment  of 
$500,  which  may  be  paid  in  five  annual  installments; 
or  a  Life  Member  by  the  payment  of  $100  in  five 
annual  installments  ;  or  an  Annual  Member  by  the 
payment  of  $10. 

Aet.  VII. — The  officers  of  the  Society  and  the  Life 
Directors  shall  constitute  a  Board  of  Managers  who 
shall  meet  at  least  once  a  year  for  the  transaction  of 
business. 

Aet.  Vin. — The  Board  of  Managers  shall  have 
power  to  appoint  its  own  meetings,  elect  its  own 
Chairman  and  Secretary,  enact  its  own  by-laws  and 
rules  of  order,  provided  always  that  they  be  not  in- 
consistent with  the  Constitution  of  this  Society,  fill 
all  vacancies  which  may  occur  in  their  own  bod}^ 
during  the  year,  and  if  deemed  necessary  by  two- 


196  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

thirds  of  the  members  present,  at  a  regular  meeting, 
convene  special  meetings  of  the  Society.  They 
shall  establish  snch  agencies  as  the  interests  of  the 
society  may  require,  appoint  missionaries,  fix  their 
compensation,  direct  their  labors,  make  all  appro- 
priations to  be  paid  out  of  the  treasury,  and  present 
to  the  Society  at  each  annual  meeting  a  report  of 
their  proceedings  during  the  past  year.  The  action 
of  the  Board  of  Managers  is  subject  to  the  revision 
of  the  Society. 

Art.  IX. — The  Treasurer  shall  give  bond  in  such 
amount  as  the  Board  of  Managers  shall  think  proper. 

Art.  X. — The  annual  meetings  of  this  Society  shall 
be  held  at  the  same  time  and  place  as  those  of  The 
General  Christian  Missionary  Convention  (unless 
otherwise  ordered  by  the  Board  of  Managers)  and 
its  proceedings  may  be  publislied  as  a  part  of  the 
proceedings  of  that  Convention. 

Art.  XL — This  Constitution  may  be  amended  at 
any  regular  meeting  of  the  Society,  by  a  vote  of  two- 
thirds  of  all  the  members  present,  provided  such 
amendment  shall  have  been  first  recommended  by 
the  Board,  or  a  year's  notice  shall  have  been  given. 

The  first  ofiicers  of  the  society  after  the  adoption 
of  the  Constitution  were — President,  Isaac  Errett; 
Vice-Presidents,  W.  T.  Moore,  J.  S.  Lamar,  and 
Jacob  Burnet;  Corresponding  Secretary,  Robert 
Moffett;  Recording  Secretary  B.  B.  Tyler;  and 
Treasurer,  "W.  S.  Dickinson. 

This  was  the  first  independent  movement  among 
the  Disciples  in  the  direction  of  independent  gospel 


THE  F,   0.   M.   SOOUBTY.  197 

work  in  foreign  lands.  Yet  the  question  of  foreign 
missions  had  not  been  a  silent  question  up  to  this 
time.  The  first  Constitution  of  the  General  Society, 
as  well  as  its  last,  declares  its  object  to  be  "  to  preach 
the  gospel  in  this  and  other  lands.  Foreign  missions 
were  very  near  to  the  hearts  of  the  great  leaders 
among  the  Disciples,  from  the  beginning. 

During  the  successive  years  since  the  organization 
of  the  General  Society,  until  the  "  Foreign  Christian 
Missionary  Society"  was  finally  organized,  such 
sentiments  and  earnest  appeals,  as  the  following, 
appeared  in  the  annual  minutes  and  in  the  public 
journals.  One  of  the  first  resolutions  ever  presented 
to  the  General  Society  reads  as  follows : 

"  liesohed,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Conven- 
tion, the  '  American  Christian  Bible  Society,'  should 
so  change  or  arrange  her  Constitution,  as  to  make  a 
missionary  department,  to  be  under  the  direction  of 
the  Board,  for  the  purpose  of  sustaining  the  procla- 
mation of  the  gospel  among  the  destitute  in  the 
United  States  and  territories  first,  and  then  in 
foreign  lands,  when  her  means  will  enable  her  to  act 
efiiciently  in  that  department." 

John  T.  Johnson,  of  Kentucky,  in  1849  presented 
to  the  meeting  in  Cincinnati  the  following  resolution 
which  was  unanimously  adopted : 

"  Resolved,  That  a  missionary  society  as  a  means 
to  concentrate  and  dispense  the  wealth  and  benevo- 
lence of  the  brethren  of  this  reformation,  in  an 
effort  to  convert  the  world,  is  both  scriptural  and 
expedient." 


198  OHRISTIAIT  MISSIONS.* 

H.  D.  Palmer,  of  lUinois — "  Father  Palmer  " — as 
lie  was  then  called,  said  on  the  floor  of  the  conven- 
tion in  1849,  "I  hope  before  I  go  hence,  to  see  the 
brethren  united  in  co-operation  for  the  conversion 
of  the  world." 

David  S.  Burnet  in  recording  an  incident  which 
occurred  at  the  same  meeting  said :  "  Connected 
with  this  convention  there  was  an  incident  of  great 
interest.  Dr.  James  T.  Barclay,  known  recently  as 
a  beloved  evangelist  of  eastern  Virginia,  was  pres- 
ent to  offer  himself  and  family,  consisting  of  a 
wife,  two  sons  and  a  daughter,  all  church  members, 
to  the  Missionary  Board  as  soon  as  it  should  be  cre- 
ated. This  worthy  brother,  a  year  before,  com- 
municated with  the  Bible  Society  on  the  subject. 
Time  had  only  served  to  ripen  his  feelings  and 
strengthen  his  determination.  He  will  doubtless 
be  sent  to  form  a  missiom  in  the  "  Holy  City,"  and 
from  the  City  of  David,  and  about  the  foundations 
of  the  ancient  house  of  God,  speak  of  Him  whose 
advent  as  a  babe  "  troubled  Herod  and  all  Jerusa- 
lem with  him."  This  is  the  most  venerable  and 
altogether  the  most  reverent  spot  on  earth.  An 
undying  interest  clings  to  every  locality  in  and 
about  it.  It  is  now  the  center  of  a  wider  circle  than 
any  other  place  on  the  globe.  As  a  station  for  the 
distribution  of  the  Bible  and  religious  books,  and 
for  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  to  the  representa- 
tives of  the  world,  we  suppose  Jerusalem  has  no 
parallel." 


THE  y.   0.  M.   SOCIETY.  199 

And  when  Jerusalem  had  "been  selected  as  the 
center  for  the  missionary  work  of  Dr.  Barclay  and 
his  family,  James  Challen  in  fervid  oratory  declared : 
"  It  is  the  land  to  which  the  eyes  of  all  Christendom 
has  been  directed  for  ages,  and  which  has  enlisted 
their  deepest  sympathies,  and  most  fervent  prayers  ; 
and  we  venture  to  say,  that  no  portion  of  our  world 
could  have  "been  selected,  which  so  effectively  will 
enlist  the  energies  of  our  own  brethren  in  the  great 
work  of  foreign  missions  as  this.  Our  expectations 
on  this  head  have  been  more  than  realized.  From 
every  quarter  of  our  land  it  is  hailed  with  delight. 
And  we  are  cheered  and  encouraged  by  the  prayers 
and  contributions  of  the  brethren  in  support  of  this 
mission.  And  what  a  thrill  of  joy  will  the  news  of 
the  first  convert  on  Zion's  hill  send  throughout  the 
army  of  the  faithful.  How  will  the  intelligence  of 
foreign  conquest  stimulate  us  to  greater  exertions  at 
home.  How  wiU  the  little  rill  of  Christian  benevo- 
lence, now  running  through  the  midst  of  our  spiritual 
Zion,  swell  into  a  mighty  river  when  the  hearts  of 
three  hundred  thousand  Disciples  shall  throb  with 
the  divine  impulse  of  sending  the  gospel  of  salva- 
tion to  the  perishing  heathen,  when  they  learn  of  its 
glorious  and  abundant  fruits  in  bringing  sinners  to 
God.  I  look  forward  to  that  day  with  unwonted 
delight.  I  believe  it  will  be  realized.  The  pillar  of 
cloud  will  yet  cast  its  shadow  over  the  infant  mis- 
sion to  be  established  in  Palestine,  and  the  gleams 
of  the  pillar  of  fire  Avill  yet  shoot  upward  to  the 
skies,  and  be  a  beacon  of  hope  to  the  outcasts  of 
Israel  and  the  benighted  heathen." 


200  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

In  1853  Alexander  Campbell  uttered  these  power- 
ful words :  "The  commission  given  to  the  Apostles 
embraced  as  a  mission  field,  the  whole  world.  '  Go 
ye,'  said  the  great  Apostle  of  Grod,  'into  all  the 
world  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature.' 
Wide  as  humanity  and  enduring  as  time,  or  until 
every  son  of  Adam  hears  the  message  of  salvation, 
extends  this  commission  in  its  letter,  spirit,  and 
obligation,  The  Apostles  are  indeed,  still  perigrinat- 
ing  the  earth,  in  their  writings.  Though  dead  they 
still  preach." 

Speaking  of  Jerusalem  as  the  missionary  sta- 
tion chosen  by  the  Disciples,  he  also  said:  "We 
have  but  one  foreign  missionary  station  —  a  station 
indeed,  of  all  others  the  most  apposite  to  our  profes- 
sion—  the  ancient  city  of  the  Grreat  King,  the  city 
of  David,  on  whose  loftiest  summit  Zion,  the  ark  of 
God  rested ;  the  'holy  hill,'  once  the  royal  residence 
of  Melchizedec,  priest  of  the  most  high  God,  the 
abode  of  peace.  There  stood  the  tabernacle  when 
its  perigrinations  ended.  There  stood  the  Temple, 
the  golden  palace  which  Solomon  built.  It  rested 
upon  an  hallowed  mountain — Mount  Morlah,  a  little 
hill  of  Zi(m.  To  that  place  the  tribes  of  God  went 
up  to  worship.  There  was  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
with  its  tables  engraven  by  the  hand  of  God.  The 
Shekinah  was  there ;  Calvary  was  there,  and  there 
our  Lord  was  crucified,  buried,  and  rose  again.  There 
clusters  every  hallowed  association  that  binds  the 
heart  of  man  to  man.  There  Clirist  died  and  there 
he  revived.     There  tlie  Holy  Spirit,  as  the  messenger 


THE  F.    C.   M.   SOCIETY.  201 

of  Christ,  first  appeared.  There  the  gospel  was  first 
administered.  There  the  first  Christian  temple  was 
reared,  and  there  the  gospel  was  borne  through 
Judea,  Samaria,  and  all  the  nations  that  ever  heard 
it.  Jerusalem,  the  city  of  the  Great  King  is  the  cen- 
ter of  all  divine  radiations,  the  center  of  all  spiritual 
attractions,  and  in  its  ruins  is  an  eternal  monument 
of  the  justice,  faithfulness   and  truth  of  God." 

Mr.  Campbell  in  the  same  address,  also  said: 
"One  of  the  capital  points  of  this  Reformation  is  the 
location,  in  time  and  place,  of  the  commencement  of 
the  reign  of  grace,  or  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  *  *  ^ 
Had  we  no  other  object  than  to  give  publicity  and 
emphasis  to  this  capital  point,  it  is  worthy  of  the 
cause  we  plead,  whatever  the  success  may  be,  to 
erect  and  establish  our  first  foreign  mission  in  the 
identical  city  where  our  Lord  was  crucified ;  where 
the  Holy  Spirit  first  descended  as  the  missionary  of 
the  Father  and  the  Son  ;  where  the  Christian  gospel 
was  first  preached,  and  the  first  Christian  church 
erected.  As  a  simple  monument  of  our  regard  and 
reverence  for  this  soul- emancipating  position,  it  is 
worthy  of  all  that  it  has  cost  us  to  have  made  our  first 
foreign  mission  station  near  the  cross,  the  mount  of 
ascension  of  the  Savior,  and  to  the  theatre  of  the  de- 
scension  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  the  sacred  guest  of  the 
house  which  Jesus  built.  *  *  *  *  But  this  is  not 
the  exclusive  object  on  which  to  engross  or  to  exliaust 
our  whole  zeal,  ability  and  liberality.  Jerusalem  and 
Judea  do  not  constitute  the  whole  world,  nor  is  our 
Jerusalem  mission  exclusively  the  longitude  and  th 


202  OHEISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

latitude  of  our  missionary  obligation,  enterprise  or 
benevolence.  *****  That  we  should  have 
an  African  mission  as  well  as  an  Asiatic  mission,  a 
station  in  Liberia  as  well  as  in  Jerusalem  ;  mission- 
aries perigrinating  the  land  of  Ham  as  well  as  the 
land  of  Shem,  appears  to  me  alike  a  duty,  a  privi- 
lege, and  an  honor.  We  a,re  abundant  in  means,  and 
wanting,  if  wanting  at  all,  only  in  will,  in  purpose, 
or  in  liberality." 

Walter  Scott,  of  whom  David  S.  Burnet  himself,  a 
prince  among  orators,  said  in  1861 :  "  Great  in  his 
analysis,  great  in  his  generalizations,  great  in  his 
eloquence — we  shall  never  see  his  like  again.  He 
towered  among  God's  great  ones,  and  will  long  be 
remembered  by  his  surviving  fellow-servants,"  in 
1855,  when  speaking  of  the  great  commandment  of 
our  Lord,  said :  "  Go,"  is  a  verb  in  the  imperative 
mode.  It  is  not  simply  indicative  and  declarative. 
It  does  not  merely  state  a  fact,  but  enjoins  a  duty. 
The  word  implies  authority  in  the  Lord  who  uses  it, 
and  obedience  in  those  to  whom  it  is  used.  Had  the 
word  been  a  mere  potentiality,  and  told  the  minis- 
try that  they  might  itinerate,  might  go  into  all  the 
world,  then  if  they  had  remained  at  home,  they  would 
have  been  blameless.  But  the  language  is  imperial 
and  imperative,  it  is  full  of  authority  —  Christ's 
authority.  It  is  a  revelation  of  his  will  in  this  vital 
point,  and  to  us  it  is  a  law — a  rule  of  conduct.  The 
ministry  must  go ;  it  must  itinerate  or  disobey  Christ, 
incur  his  displeasure  and  lose  its  rank  and  character. 
In  a  word,  it  must  be  as  we  say  in  common  parlance, 


THE  F.   0.   M.    SOCIETY.  203 

he  nnceasingly  'on  fclie  go.'  '  Go  ye  into  all  the  world ; ' 
to  Europe,  to  Africa,  to  America,  and  to  the  islands 
of  the  sea.  Leave  your  footprints  on  the  snows  of 
the  frozen  north.  Trace  out  pathways  in  the  flowery 
pampas  of  the  balmy  south.  Seek  the  setting  sun, 
the  far  west,  the  wild  prairies,  and  the  wilder  men 
that  inhabit  them.  Search  out  the  land  of  figs 
and  dates  ;  the  land  of  vines  and  olives.  Tread  over 
the  golden  sands  and  along  the  rivers  gleaming  with 
diamonds  and  gold  far,  far  away.  Go  to  those  who 
water  their  steeds  in  the  Rhine ;  to  those  who  drink 
from  the  Seine,  or  who  bathe  in  the  Mle  and  the  Niger, 
the  sacred  Ganges,  Indus,  Brahmaputra,  and  Irra- 
waddi.  Go  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  for  your  success 
will  be  in  the  ratio  of  your  mobility.  "Words  are 
God's  daughters  and  works  are  man's  sons ;  to  be 
fruitful  they  must  be  married  to  each  other." 

In  1858  the  Board  of  the  General  Society,  in  speak- 
ing of  the  Jerusalem  mission  by  Isaac  Errett,  Corres- 
ponding Secretary,  and  of  the  return  to  that  field  of 
Dr.  J.  T.  Barclay  and  his  family,  used  the  following 
language :  "Whatever  might  have  been  suspected  of 
romantic  zeal  in  his  first  visit  to  the  Holy  Land,  no 
thought  of  the  kind  can  attach  to  his  return.  Him- 
self and  family  have  all  a  personal  knowledge  of  the 
people.  They  have  had  experience  of  the  disadvan- 
tages pecuniarily  and  socially,  of  missionary  life  in 
that  distant  field.  They  know  better  than  we  the  deg- 
radation of  the  people  and  of  the  discouragements, 
which  to  the  unbelieving  eye,  throng  about  such  a 
mission.    The  romance  and  the  poetry  of  the  move- 


204  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

ment  have  had  a  fine  chance  to  escape  amidst  the  stern 
realities  of  missionary  life.  Yet  with  one  heart  and 
one  voice,  the  whole  family  have  desired  to  return, 
and  spend  their  lives  in  that  field.  Their  faith  gath- 
ered strength  during  the  three  years  and  a  half  of  toil 
and  privation  spent  there ;  and  they  have  but  grati- 
fied the  deepest  longings  of  their  hearts  in  return- 
ing. It  does  not  become  us  to  trifle  with  deep 
religious  convictions  and  actual  experiences,  such  as 
are  possessed  by  that  family.  It  is  due  to  them  to 
say,  that  the  influence  of  that  mission  on  the 
churches  at  home  is  worth  more  than  the  mission- 
aries cost  us;  and  that  the  labors  religious  and 
literary  of  Dr.  Barclay,  at  home  and  abroad,  have 
done  much  for  the  cause,  much  more  than  is  under- 
stood or  appreciated.  The  Board  commit  this 
mission  to  the  confidence,  prayers  and  support  of 
the  brotherhood." 

"  In  1859  W.  K.  Pendleton  presented  to  the  con- 
vention the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Established 
Missions,"  in  which  he  uses  the  following  language : 
"The  Jerusalem  mission  needs  no  commendation. 
Both  it  and  the  beloved  missionary  family  to  whom 
its  fortunes,  its  perils  and  its  toils  have  been  com- 
mitted, have  an  abiding  place  in  the  confidence  and 
Christian  affection  of  the  brotherhood.  *  -s^-  *  •* 
We  commend  it  and  the  beloved  family  who  have 
charge  of  it  to  the  unfailing  providence  of  the  God 
of  Abraham,  of  Isaac,  and  of  Jacob,  and  say  to  the 
beloved  of  the  Lord  in  Christ  Jesas  everywhere, 
nurture   the  Jerusalem   mission,    for  even    out    of 


THE   F.    C.   M.    SOCIETY.  205 

its  weakness  God  will  surely  bring  forth  strength." 
In  1861  the  question  of  foreign  missions,  and 
especially  the  Jerusalem  mission,  was  referred  to 
in  a  committee  report  as  follows :  "While  the  prac- 
tical results  of  the  mission  may  seem  small,  they 
are  nevertheless,  worth  far  more  than  the  expense  in 
their  influence  upon  the  church  and  the  world." 

In  1867  R.  R.  Sloan  was  chairman  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Foreign  Missions  and  these  are  words 
from  his  report :  "  The  mission  in  Jamaica  has  been 
in  its  evangelical  results  a  success.  *  *  *  "We 
do  not  recommend  the  establishment  at  present  of 
any  other  foreign  missions.  In  this  the  impulses  of 
the  heart  yield  to  the  dictates  of  the  judgment;  the 
scarcity  of  means  forbids  such  recommendations. 
We  trust  it  shall  be  different  with  us,  at  no  distant 
day. 

As  our  State  missions  increase  in  number  and 
efficiency,  the  legitimate  work  of  the  General  Society 
will  be  abroad.  Not  forgetting  unoccupied  territory 
in  our  own  land,  we  should  look  to  the  foreign,  as 
ultimately  our  legitimate  field.  Moreover  the  foreign 
mission  is  the  basis  of  any  successful  plea  for  the 
existence  of  the  General  Society.  This  is  the  prin- 
ciple to  which  our  practice  must  fast  and  as  far  as 
we  can  conform.  So  long  as  the  field  is  the  world, 
no  territory  therein  should  be  accounted  foreign  to 
the  enterprise.  Sustain  the  mission  that  is,  and  cre- 
ate others  as  soon  as  practicable.  Backward  is  not 
the  word  for  missions.  Go,  into  all  the  world,  is  the 
Savior's  bidding." 


206  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

In  1875  the  report  of  the  Board  was  decidedly  in 
favor  of  foreign  missions.  Up  to  this  time  a  separate 
organization  for  foreign  missions  had  not  been 
deemed  practicable  or  best.  Th3  language  of  the 
Board  is  as  follows  : 

"We  come  now  to  state  the  facts  that  have  brought 
us  to  our  present  position  in  reference  to  foreign  mis- 
sions, to  which  we  invite  special  attention.  It  will 
be  remembered  that  during  the  sessions  of  our  last 
convention  several  informal  meetings  were  held  by 
individuals  to  consider  the  possibilities  of  our  plant- 
ing a  mission  in  some  foreign  land.  It  was  thought 
improbable  that  the  general  board  with  its  other 
obligations  upon  it,  would  for  some  time  have  means 
to  enter  upon  such  a  work.  A  committee  was  tliere^ 
fore  appointed  to  see  what  could  be  done  in  the  way 
of  forming  a  foreign  missionary  society  that  would 
in  no  sense  be  in  the  way  of  the  General  Convention, 
but  rather  supplement  its  work.  This  committee 
soon  after  issued  circulars  to  many  interested  breth- 
ren, laying  the  whole  matter  before  them,  and  ob- 
tained pledges  for  that  purpose.  But  during  the  last 
hours  of  the  convention  a  resolution  was  passed  di- 
recting your  Board  also  to  'adopt  measures  at  once 
to  establish  one  or  more  foreign  missions.'  As  this 
was  done  after  many  of  the  delegates  had  gone 
home,  and  without  any  discussion,  and  as  the  Board 
soon  found  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  them  to 
carry  out  the  order  for  some  time  to  come,  they  held 
several  conferences  with  the  committee,  which  re- 
sulted in  the  appointment  of  a  joint  committee  to  see 


THE  F.   0.   M.   SOCIETY.  207 

what  preparations  could  be  made  by  tlie  time  of  the 
convention.  That  committee  is  present  and  ready 
to  make  their  report,  and  we  recommend  that  some 
time  be  allotted  to  the  consideration  of  the  same. 

We  deem  it  due  to  ourselves  and  to  the  convention 
now  to  give  our  main  reasons  for  being  willing  to 
consider  the  question  of  a  foreign  society,  and  in  the 
same  words  to  view  once  more  the  great  wants  of 
our  cause  in  the  United  States.  Besides  the  evident 
lack  of  means  in  the  general  treasury  to  carry  on 
both  home  and  foreign  work,  there  is  another  reason 
that  outweighs  all  the  rest.  It  is  here  mentioned  not 
only  to  justify  a  special  effort  for  foreign  missions, 
but  to  insist  that  public  sentiment  in  the  ministry 
and  in  the  churches  should  sustain  our  effort  in 
these  directions.     The  great  wants  referred  to  are : 

First.  Efficient  means  of  edification  in  all  our 
country  churches. 

Second.  The  great  want  of  our  cause  in  the 
United  States,  is  help  for  the  weaker  States  and 
territories. 

We,  therefore,  especially  commend  to  our  brethren 
the  work  of  foreign  missions  in  some  way,  as  a 
means  of  awakening  the  missionary  spirit  for  home 
as  well  as  foreign  fields.  Our  efforts  at  home  mis- 
sions, spending  so  large  a  percentage  of  all  our 
money  on  the  fields  near  where  it  was  raised,  have 
tended  to  contract  the  views  of  the  churches  as 
to  the  world-wide  commission  given  us  by  Jesus 
Christ  Himself.  We  are  satisfied  that  a  thriving 
foreign  work  wiU  prove  the  best  practical  educator 


208  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

of  our  j)eople  in  tlie  missionary  spirit,  "both  at  home 
and  abroad.  Let  our  hearts  leap  over  the  frontiers 
of  district  and  neighborhood  selfishness,  let  us  put 
our  hearts  and  our  treasures  in  other  lands,  from 
whicli  we  may  often  hear  of  the  horrors  and  hard- 
ships of  heathen  life,  and  of  their  great  need  of  sal- 
vation througli  Clirist,  and  we  will  more  fully  realize 
the  spirit  of  the  great  foreign  missionary  sent  out 
from  heaven  to  earth.  For  this  cause  thank  we  God 
witliout  ceasing  for  the  enterprise  of  our  sisters  in 
the  common  faith,  whose  present  undertaking  we  so 
earnestly  recommended  in  our  report  three  years 
ago  when  the  convention  last  met  in  this  house.  We 
hope  still  to  encourage  and  "  help  those  women  who 
labor  with  us  in  the  gospel,"  and  ask  all  the  sisters 
of  the  States  everywhere  to  unite  with  them  in  their 
noble  eifort  to  do  good." 

This  was  the  last  report  on  foreign  missions  before 
the  organization  of  the  "  Foreign  Christian  Mission- 
ary Society."  Steadily  the  sky  had  been  brighten- 
ing and  the  pathway  clearing  for  this  new  and 
special  agency  in  the  great  work  of  evangelizing  the 
nations  to  Christ.  The  first  report  of  the  Board  of 
Managers  of  the  Foreign  Society  was  made  at  Rich- 
mond, Ya.,  in  1876.  In  that  report  the  following 
facts  are  recorded : 

It  is  with  devout  thankfulness  to  our  heavenly 
Father  that  we  present  the  first  report  of  the  Board 
of  the  Foreign  Christian  Missionary  Society.  One 
year  ago  our  society  was  organized  and  started  on 
its  career.    Those  who  were  the  principal  movers  in 


THE   F.   0.   M.   SOCIETY.  209 

its  formation  were  animated  by  no  extraordinary- 
hopes  of  immediate  success  in  tlie  worli  proposed. 
They  knew  too  well  the  difficulties  that  had  to  "be 
overcome,  and  not  the  least  among  these  difficulties 
was  the  want  of  a  proper  api3reciation  of  tlie  work 
by  those  who  were  expected  to  contribute  to  its  sup- 
port. In  fact,  it  was  understood,  from  the  start,  that 
our  work  embraced  not  only  conversions  to  Christ  in 
foreign  fields,  but  also  conversions  to  real  mission- 
ary work  in  the  home  field.  But,  notwithstanding 
the  many  difficulties  in  the  way,  our  society  was 
organized  with  the  most  ardent  hopes  that  it  would 
in  time  reach  the  highest  degree  of  usefulness.  And 
now,  after  one  year's  experience,  we  are  not  disap- 
pointed in  what  was,  at  the  beginning,  a  firm  con- 
viction with  all. 

The  society  was  anxious  to  begin  work  immedi- 
ately in  foreign  lands,  and  during  its  first  year  it 
completed  arrangements  to  send  J.  S.  Lamar  of 
Georgia,  on  a  mission  to  Italy,  but  this  was  finally 
abandoned  as  Mr.  Lamar  found  it  impossible  for 
him  to  undertake  the  work. 

CoiTespondence  was  then  held  with  J.  H.  Hardin, 
of  Missouri,  who  shortly  after  agreed  to  go  to  India, 
and  was  appointed  by  the  Board  but  subsequent 
correspondence  developed  the  fact  that  Mr.  Hardin 
could  not  go  without  such  sacrifices  to  both  himself 
and  the  Board,  as  were  deemed  unnecessary  to 
make.     The  Board  say : 

"At  this  juncture  of  affairs,  providence  seemed  to 
open  up  a  new  and  unexpected  field.     Dr.  A.  Hoick, 


210  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

a  native  of  Denmark,  "but  a  resident  of  this  country 
for  about  eiglit  years,  united  with  the  Central  Chris- 
tian Chui'ch  in  Cincinnati.  It  soon  became  evident 
that  he  was  a  man  of  great  faith,  earnest  piety,  and 
endowed  with  superior  intellectual  attainments.  He 
had  been  associated  with  the  Baptists,  but  his  re- 
ligious views  were  generally  in  harmony  with  those 
of  the  Disciples ;  and,  after  careful  examination  of 
our  religious  position,  he  became  thoroughly  con- 
vinced that  he  was  entirely  at  one  with  us.  He  had 
for  some  time  entertained  hopes  of  going  back  to 
his  native  country  as  a  missionary,  and  after  full 
and  free  conference,  he  was  appointed  by  the  Board, 
and  solemnly  ordained  to  the  work  of  a  missionary 
to  Denmark.  He  has  been  in  that  country  a  little 
over  three  months  and  has  begun  his  work  in  Copen- 
hagen. He  writes  hopefully,  though  by  no  means 
confidently  of  any  great  immediate  success.  He 
says  he  finds  many  difficulties  in  the  way,  and 
among  these  the  chief  is  the  want  of  faith  among 
the  people  in  the  Word  of  God.  He  says  our  plea 
for  "  the  Bible  and  the  Bible  alone  "  is  about  the 
most  difficult  that  could  be  made,  since  the  people 
seem  to  be  willing  to  accept  almost  any  kind  of  re- 
ligion rather  than  that  taught  in  the  Word  of  Grod. 
The  work  there,  howe\^er,  has  not  been  in  progress 
long  enough  to  be  able  to  determine  with  anything 
like  certainty  how  it  is  likely  to  succeed.  We  shall 
hope  and  pray  for  the  best  results. 

Bro.  H.  S.  Earl's  mission  to  England  is  so  far  very 
promising.     He  has  mainly  confined  his  work  to 


THE  F.   0.   M.   SOCIETY.  211 

Southampton.  For  several  months  he  has  been 
preaching  to  crowded  congregations  in  a  large  hall 
which  will  hold  some  two  thousand  people.  Re- 
cently he  organized  a  church  of  thirty-three  mem- 
bers, and  has  since  received  by  baptism  fourteen, 
making  a  total  membership  of  forty-seven.  This  is 
certainly  very  encouraging,  and  as  the  interest  seems 
unabated,  we  look  with  deep  anxiety  for  subsequent 
reports  from  our  beloved  missionary.  This  mission 
has  been  partly  self-sustaining,  partly  sustained  by 
Bro.  Earl  himself ;  but  the  Board  has  furnished  all 
the  aid  it  possibly  could.  It  is  hoped  that  this  little 
church  will  at  once  find  a  place  in  the  hearts  of  our 
entire  brotherhood. 

The  report  of  the  Board  in  1877  was  full  of  good 
cheer.  The  English  and  the  Danish  missions  were 
reported  as  in  excellent  condition  under  the  labors 
of  Henry  S.  Earl,  and  A.  Hoick.  No  new  missions 
were  inaugurated  but  the  "French  Mission"  was 
proposed  and  the  preliminary  work  largely  done. 

In  1878  the  English  missions  were  increased  by 
sending  M.  D.  Todd  to  Chester  and  "W.  T.  Moore  to 
Southport.  The  mission  in  Paris,  France,  was  also 
begun  by  Jules  DeLaunay  and  wife  who  sailed  for 
their  mission  in  November,  1877.  The  annual  ad- 
dress to  the  society  in  1878  was  delivered  by  the 
President,  Isaac  Errett.  In  the  midst  of  his  address 
and  while  he  was  yet  urging  the  importance  of  mis- 
sionary work  and  the  necessity  of  raising  twenty 
thousand  dollars  during  the  coming  year,  and  ex- 
pressing his  confidence  that  God  would  provide,  he 


212  CHRISTIAN  MISSIOJ^S. 

received  a  telegiam  from  Timothy  Coop  of  Wigan, 
England,  as  follows :  "  Isaac  Errett :  —  Say  to  the 
Convention  I  subscribe  one  thousand  pounds,  and 
read  Col.  4  :  12,  and  H.  Thess.  3  :  l.—  Coopy  This 
telegram  produced  great  enthusiasm  and  was  useful 
in  many  ways  in  the  work  of  the  year. 

In  1879  the  report  of  the  Board  was  business-like 
and  hopeful.  During  this  year  the  mission  at  Con- 
stantinople, Turkey,  was  established  in  the  charge 
of  G.  N.  Shishmanian. 

In  1880  the  mission  at  Southport,  England,  was 
reinforced  by  sending  Josej)li  L.  Richardson  to  labor 
in  that  city.  Also  the  Paris  mission  was  aided  by 
the  addition  of  Miss  Annie  C.  Crease  to  its  corps  of 
workers. 

In  1881  the  name  of  J.  M.  Van  Horn,  of  Ohio,  ap- 
pears on  the  list  of  missionaries.  He  was  appointed 
to  the  mission  at  Chester,  England,  to  succeed  M.  D. 
Todd,  who,  on  account  of  the  failing  health  of  his 
wife  was  compelled  to  return  to  the  United  States. 
Also  W.  H.  C.  Newington,  of  Ohio,  was  assigned 
to  duty  in  Liverpool.  J.  H.  Garrison,  of  Missouri, 
accepted  a  call  to  labor  with  the  church  at  South- 
port,  which,  while  not  under  the  direct  charge  of  the 
society,  was  in  a  large  measure  the  outgrowth  from 
its  work. 

In  1882  the  outlook  of  the  society  was  exceed- 
ingly bright.  M.  D.  Todd  was  located  at  Liverpool 
and  began  his  work  with  excellent  prospects.  The 
India  mission  was  established  and  eight  mission- 


THE   F.   C.   M.    SOCIETY.  213 

aries  sailed  September  16, 1882,  for  that  distant  land. 
Their  names  are  as  follows  :  Albert  Norton  and  wife; 
G.  L.  Wharton  and  wife ;  and  Misses  Mary  Grey- 
biel,  Ada  Boyd,  Laura  Kinzie,  and  Mary  Kingsbury. 
E.  T.  C.  Bennett,  and  C.  A.  Moore  were  selected  by 
the  Board  assisted  by  J.  W.  McGarvey,  and  O.  A. 
Carr  for  evangelistic  work  in  Australia. 

The  report  of  the  Board  for  1883  introduces  two 
new  missions ;  one  in  the  Isthmus  of  Panama,  and 
the  other  in  Japan.  To  the  first  W.  H.  Williams 
and  wife  were  assigned ;  and  George  T.  Smith  and 
wife,  of  Warren,  Ohio,  and  Charles  E.  Garst  and  wife 
to  the  second.  The  report  closes  with  these  elo- 
quent words: 

"  Eight  years  ago  this  society  was  organized. 
Since  that  time  eleven  missions  have  been  estab- 
lished under  its  auspices.  The  present  membership 
under  its  care  is  about  1,300.  It  has  property  worth 
$79,000.  The  good  hand  of  our  God  has  been  upon 
us.  He  has  prospered  us  beyond  all  that  we  asked 
or  thought.  The  large  measure  of  success  that  has 
rewarded  our  labors  should  stimulate  us  to  devise 
liberal  things  for  the  time  to  come.  We  must  not 
be  satisfied  with  what  we  have  done  in  the  past. 
We  must  do  better  in  the  future,  and  better  thence 
again,  and  better  still,  in  infinite  progression.  We 
have  put  our  hand  to  the  plow,  and  must  not  look 
back.  We  have  crossed  the  Rubicon  and  cannot 
retreat.  We  must  advance  like  a  bannered  army 
until  the  last  stronghold  of  heathendom  is  dis- 
mantled, and  until  Jesus  Christ  is   recognized  as 


214  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

Lord  of  all.  "We  must  cany  on  the  beneficent  work 
wliich  we  have  begun,  until  the  songs  of  the  redeemed 
are  heard  round  tlie  world,  like  England's  drumbeat, 
keeping  time  with  the  hours.  May  God  help  us 
do  our  part  worthily,  that,  when  the  nations  of  the 
saved  come  up  from  every  continent  and  from  the 
islands  of  the  sea,  chanting  the  final  thunder  psalm 
of  victory,  we  may  have  an  honorable  place  among 
those  who  will  say : 

'  Come,  then,  and,  added  to  thy  many  crowns, 
Receive  yet  one.  as  radiant  as  the  rest, 
Due  to  thy  last  and  most  effectual  work, 
Thy  word  fulfilled,  the  conquest  of  a  world.' " 

Since  the  close  of  the  convention  of  1883  Garabed 
Kevorkian  has  been  added  to  the  missionary  force  in 
Turkey.  The  Board  has  managed  with  wisdom,  not 
only  in  the  appropriation  of  funds,  but  also  in  the 
selection  of  its  missionaries.  No  mistakes  of  great 
importance  have  been  made  except  perhaps  in  the 
case  of  Albert  Norton  who  was  sent  to  India.  In  his 
case  the  Board  dealt  promptly,  firmly  and  wisely. 
As  the  Board  referred  to  the  matter  in  their  report 
for  1883,  it  was  properly  referred  to  a  special  com- 
mittee for  consideration.  That  committee  consisted 
of  W.  K.  Pendleton,  A.  I.  Hobbs,  Kobert  Moffett,  J. 
H.  Garrison,  and  A.  M.  Atkinson.  They  reported 
as  follows: 

"  Your  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  that  part 
of  the  report  of  the  Board  relating  to  the  India  Mis- 
sion, respectfully  report :  That  the  India  Mission  is 
gradually  and  wisely  ordering  its  work,  and  gives 


THE  F.   0.   M.   SOCIETY.  215 

promise  of  energetic  and  successful  management 
under  tlie  control  and  direction  of  Brother  G.  L.  Whar- 
ton. Of  course,  but  little  beyond  the  first  steps  of  pre- 
paration has  been  yet  done,  but  in  this  we  feel  as- 
sured that  every  thing  has  been  directed  for  the  best. 
The  place  selected  as  the  seat  and  center  of  opera- 
tions, we  think,  has  been  wisely  chosen,  and  offers 
us  facilities  for  missionary  operations  sui'passed  by 
no  city  in  India.  Hui'da  is  a  pilgrim  city,  a  place 
to  which  the  people  of  many  and  wide  districts 
come  for  the  worship  and  festivities  of  their  religion 
and  to  bathe  in  the  sacred  waters  of  the  Ganges.  It 
is  a  fit  place,  therefore,  in  which  to  raise  the  stand- 
ard of  the  cross  and  proclaim  the  knowledge  of  the 
one  true  and  living  God,  and  the  redemption  which 
is  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  The  report  of  the 
Board  refers  to  a  difficulty  which  arose  upon  the  very 
threshold  of  this  new  work  of  the  Society,  but  we  are 
happy  to  be  assui-ed  that  it  was  promptly  and  firmly 
met,  and  wisely  and  kindly  settled  by  the  Board. 
This  difficulty  is  already  generally  known  to  the 
friends  of  this  mission,  and  has  excited  deep  regret 
with  all  concerned  in  its  fortunes.  Your  committee 
have  thought  it  due  to  the  wide  interest  and  concern 
which  this  matter  has  excited,  to  examine  into  the 
documentary  facts  of  the  case,  and  to  review  the  ac- 
tion of  the  Board  thereon.  The  profound  confidence 
created  in  the  minds  of  the  brethren  in  the  wisdom, 
devotion  and  fitness  of  Brother  Norton  for  this  work, 
was  natui'ally  shocked  by  the  sudden  and  unex- 
pected rupture  of  his  connection  with  it,  and  it  was 


216  CHKISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

not  strange  that  many  of  our  most  earnest  workers 
were  loth  to  give  him  up. 

A  review  of  the  correspondence  of  the  Board,  and 
of  its  action  in  the  premises  shows  that  it,  too, 
shared  in  this  rehictance,  and  proceeded  with  the 
greatest  moderation  and  forbearance  in  the  investi- 
gation and  decision.  But  it  is  plain  that  there  was 
no  alternative  left  to  our  managers.  In  the  face  of 
all  their  most  cherished  desires  they  were  compelled 
to  accept  the  offered  resignation  of  Bro.  Norton, 
or  else  submit  to  a  dictation  and  conditions  that 
would  have  been  fatal  to  the  integrity  of  the  work 
and  unfaithful  to  the  high  trust  committed  to  them 
by  the  society. 

It  would  be  out  of  place,  as  it  is  unnecessary,  for 
your  committee  to  go  into  a  detailed  recital  of  the 
facts  in  this  unfortunate  difficulty. 

It  is  enough  to  say,  as  we  feel  warranted  in  doing, 
from  the  fullest  evidence,  that  Bro.  Norton,  both  on 
his  journey  to  India  and  immediately  on  his  arrival, 
there,  revealed  qualities  of  head  and  heart  that 
proved  him  to  be  utterly  unfit  for  this  great  work; 
(1)  in  a  superstitious  arrogance  of  divine  guidance 
in  his  judgment  of  what  should  be  done,  and ;  (2)  in 
a  corresponding  assumption  of  authority  over  his 
associates  in  the  mission,  to  wliicli  they  must  im- 
plicitly submit  even  in  the  smallest  matters ;  (3)  a 
temper  and  imperiousness,  passionate,  menacing  and 
relentless,  even  to  the  verge  of  personal  violence ;  (4) 
in  a  selfish  control  and  aj)propriation  of  the  funds 
of  the  Board   to  his  own  uses  and  ends,  without  re- 


THE   F.   C.   M.   SOCIETY.  217 

gard  to  its  specific  orders,  and ;  (5)  in  the  stipulation 
of  conditions  as  to  his  own  freedom  and  self-control, 
that  practically  took  the  management  of  the  mission 
out  of  the  hands  of  the  Board  and  gave  it  over  to 
him  alone. 

Under  these  circumstances,  it  is  plain  that  Bro. 
Wharton  and  those  who  were  sent  out  with  him 
could  not  continue  to  act  with  Bro.  Norton  without 
perpetual  strife  or  humiliation,  and  we  think  he  and 
they  acted  wisely  and  only  in  justice  to  their  duty 
in  promptly  and  totally  withdrawing  from  him, 
and  that  the  Board  deserves  the  full  approval  and 
thanks  of  this  society,  in  the  prudent  and  moderate, 
yet  firm  and  decisive  action  which  they  took  in 
declining  to  submit  the  management  of  this  mission 
to  Bro.  Norton's  free  and  unbridled  control,  and  in 
accepting  his  resignation  as  tendered  by  him. 

The  committee  feel  the  fullest  confidence  in  the 
integrity,  piety,  firmness  and  wisdom  of  Bro.  Whar- 
ton, and  commend  the  management  of  this  mission 
in  his  hands,  to  the  cordial  and  undivided  support 
of  the  brotlierhood.  Time  and  patience  and  har- 
mony of  co-operation  are  absolutely  necessary  to 
success  in  this  great  work,  and  we  cannot  hope  to 
accomplish  anything  great  or  grateful  in  this  far-off 
field  without  wisdom  and  unity  and  patient  persever- 
ance in  our  methods,  into  which  we  heartily  pray 
that  our  society  may  ever  be  divinely  guided." 

The  outlook  for  the  society  at  this  time,  is  full  of 
promise  and  brilliant  with  hope  of  immortal  victories 
for  Christ  in  heathen  lands.    With  their  pretensions 


218  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

to  scriptural  knowledge  and  zeal,  tlie  Disciples  must 
be  in  the  van-guard  of  those  who  hear  the  gospel  to 
the  ends  of  the  earth.  They  must  he  there,  or  be 
sent  to  the  rear  in  disgrace,  or  die. 

Dr.  R.  G.  Wilder,  the  editor  of  the  Missionary 
Remew,  in  a  note  to  the  author  says :  "I  am  watching 
the  enlargement  of  your  forces  in  India  and  Japan, 
and  Turkey.    May  the  Lord  prosper  you."' 

True  devotion  to  God  is  the  basis  of  true  disciple 
character.  Enthusiasm  is  a  powerless  thing  if  it  is 
not  the  emanation  of  a  healthy  Christian  life.  If 
we  have  been  remiss  in  the  past,  let  strength  of  soul 
be  gathered  now  for  the  work  of  the  future  amidst 
the  agonies  of  penitence  and  prayer.  Wlioever  as- 
cends the  mount  of  vision  to  behold  and  commune 
with  the  Lord  of  all,  will  come  down  from  that  radi- 
ant height,  "glistening  with  a  celestial  glory,  which, 
beaming  from  his  spirit,"  will  be  reflected  on  the 
world. 

The  friends  of  foreign  missions  among  the  Disci- 
ples may  well  be  glad  in  the  prospect  before  them.  Let 
their  spirits  catch  fire  from  the  new  impulses  which 
spring  from  hearts  where  truth  has  been  embosomed 
long,  as  they  behold  the  dawning  light  of  that  better 
day  which  they  have  helped  to  usher  in. 


CHAPTER  XI. 
OFFICIARY  OF  THE   F.  C.  M.  SOCIETY. 

BOAKD    OF   MANAGERS. 

^HE  Board  of  Managers  consists  of  the  Life 
k<'   Directors   and    the    officers   of  the  society. 

The  following  persons  constitute  the  Board 

for  1883-4 : 
Isaac  Errett,  Timothy  Coop,  J.  B.  Briney, 
R.  T.  Mathews,  E.  T.  Williams,  W.  S.  Dickinson,  S.  M. 
Jefferson,  Frank  Coop,  Joe  Coop,  R.  M.  Bishop,  Mrs. 
S.  A.  BromweU*,  W.  T.  Moore,  B.  B.  Tyler,  0.  A. 
Bartholomew,  H.  B.  Goe,  H.  S.  Earl,  F.  M.  Green, 
P.  C.  Frick,  B.  A.  Hinsdale,  W.  K.  Pendleton,  Mrs. 
W.  S.  Dickinson,  Lathrop  Cooley,  Joseph  Smith,  Jr., 
Mrs.  Joseph  Smith,  Jr.,  J.  K.  Tee  tor,  A.  M.  Atkin- 
son, Mrs.  A.  M.  Atkinson,  Russell  Errett,  J.  H.  Fill- 
more, S.  P.  Shriver,  C.  E.  Holt,  A.  I.  Hobbs,  Robert 
BarnhiU,  W.  C.  Rogers,  H.  M.  Hickok,  A.  B.  Kel- 
logg, John  Shackleford,  Miss  Ella  F.  Smith,  J.  Z. 
Tyler,  Mrs.  Isaac  Errett,  Dr.  E.  "Williams,  L.  Har- 
vuot,  Mrs.  E.  Barker,  Mrs.  M.  A.  Dalton,  R.  Moffett, 
Gen.  F.  M.  Drake,  F.  D.  Power,  V.  A.  Taylor,  E.  Y. 
Pinkerton,  C.  C.  Smith,  Asa  Shuler,  James  Carr,  J. 
M.  Atwater,  Jabez  Hall,  Walter  Marsden,  Miss  Ber- 
tha Marsden,  Miss  Florence  Marsden  and  A.  Mc- 
Lean. 

♦—Died  Nov.  20.  1883.  219 


220 


CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 


The  following  table  represents  the  Officers  of  the 
Society  since  its  organization  in  1875 ;  and  also  the 
places  where  the  annual  conventions  have  been 
held: 


o3 

Louisville,  Ky. 
Richmond,  Va. 
St.  Louis,  Mo. 
Cincinnati,  0. 
Blbomington.Ill 
Louisville,  Ky, 

Indian'p'lis.Ind 
Lexington,  Ky. 
Cincinnati,  0. 

s 

i 

a: 

c3 

a 
o 

.9 

u 

S 

«i        5         :         :         t         s 

*                 *                 * 

0) 
tt! 

Ml 
-O 
O 
<u 
Oh 

l^= 

ta 

V. 
u 

0) 
OQ 

t~t 

O 

o 

B.  B.  Tyler. 
James  Leslie 

S.M.Jefferson 

;                   ;                   ; 

Robt  Moffett 

W.  T.  Moore 

W.  B.  Ebbert 
II            II 

II            It 

A.  McLean. 

2 

§ 
> 

W.  T.  Moore 

J.  S.  Lamar 

Jacob  Burnet 

James  Challen 

J.  S.  Lamar 

Jacob  Burnet 

James  Challen.,.. 

A.  I.  Hobbs 

W.  T.  Moore 

James  Challen 

Jacob  Burnet 

O.A.Bartholomew 

A.  I.  Hobbs 

O.A.Bartholomew 

F.  M.  Green 

O.A.Bartholomew 

A     T     TTuhhs     

R.  M.  Bisliop 

A.  I.   HdbbB 

James  Leslie 

O.A.Bartholomew 

J.  B.  Brinev 

R.  T.  Miitliews 

E.  T.  Williams 

J.  B.  Brinev 

R.  T.  Mathews.... 
E.  T.  Williams.... 

m 

!2 

M 

Ph 

«       :        3        s        s        ; 
w 

J          .          , 

»4 

1875 
1876 
1877 
1878 
1879 
1880 

III 

OFFICIARY   OF  THE  F.  C.  M.  SOCIETY.  221 

NAMES  AND  ADDRESSES  OF  MISSIONARIES.* 

The  following  are  tlie  names  and  addresses  of 
the  Missionaries  now  in  the  ser\d.ce  of  the  Foreign 
Christian  Missionary  Society: 

H.  S.  Earl,  The  Beeches,  Portswood,  Southamp- 
ton, England. 

M.  D.  Todd,  4  Granby  St.,  Liverpool,  England. 

W.  T.  Moore,  Kensington  Chambers,  Ludgate 
Hill,  London,  England. 

J.  M.  Van  Horn,  Chester,  England. 

Jules  Delaunay,  Rue  Bausset,  Vaugirard,  Paris, 
France. 

A.  Hoick,  Sophievej,  No.  5,  Copenhagen,  Den- 
mark. 

G.  N.  Shishmanian,  care  of  Imperial  German 
Postoffice,  Constantinople,  Turkey. 

Garabed  Der  Tavitian,  care  of  Imperial  German 
Postoffice,  Constantinople,  Turkey. 

G.  L.  Wharton,  Hurda,  Central  Provinces,  India. 

M.  D.  Adams,  Hurda,  Central  Provinces,  India. 

G.  T.  Smith,  Yokohoma,  Japan. 

C.  E.  Garst,  Yokohoma,  Japan. 

W.  H.  Williams,  Colon,  United  States  of  Columbia. 

Garabed  Kevorkian,  Tokat,  Turkey. 

To  these  the  names  of  Mary  Greybiel,  Ada 
Boyd,  Laura  Kinzie  and  Mary  Kingsbury  should 
be  added,  all  of  whom  went  out  with  G.  L.Wharton 
to  India.  The  larger  number  of  the  missionaries 
named  in  the  foregoing  list  are  married  and  were 
accompanied  by  their  wives. 

<■— A  brief  biographical  sketch  of  each  of  these  Missionaries  would  have 
beeu  given,  but  tliey  were  not  received  iu  time. 


222 


CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 


MISSIONARY  STATIONS,  ETC. 

The  following  are  tlie  missionary  stations  already 
established  by  the  Foreign  Board,  with  the  year 
when  established,  and  other  information.  Some 
of  these  missions  have  already  become  self-sustain- 
ing. The  cost  of  administration  from  the  begin- 
ning has  aggregated  $5,079.13,  or  5^  per  cent,  of 
the  gross  receipts.  This  includes  the  cost  of  all 
agencies  employed  to  raise  money,  stationery, 
postage,  printing,  and  salary  of  the  Corresponding 
Secretary.  The  total  receipts  of  the  society  from 
its  organization  in  1875  to  the  annual  meeting  in 
1883  are  $96,824.25 : 


Location  of  Mission. 

^5 

1  i   . 

a    a 

Name  of  Missionary. 

03 

gCQ 
O 

Southampton,  England 
Copenhagen,   Denmark 
Frederlckshold,  Norw'y 

Feb.1876 
Jun.1876 

Feb.1878 
Mar.  1878 

Sep.  1878 

July  1879 
1880 

1881 
Sep.  1878 

1883 
1882 

1883 

Sep.  1873 

2 
2 

2 

2 

6 

12 
1 

2 

239 

190 

27 
153 

70 

18 
50 

21 

Henry  S.  Earl 

A.  Hoick 

A.  Hoick 

Jules  DeLaunay  

fM.  D.  Todd 

Chester,  England 

Southport,  England  — 

Tranmere,  England — 
Liverpool,  England  — 

0 

\J.  M.  Van  Horn 

fj.  L.  Richardson 

[J.  H.  Garrison 

Henry  Exlev 

0. 

ni. 

Mo. 

rw.  T.  Moore 

0 

^W.  H.  C.  Newington.. 
(m.  D.  Todd 

o. 

0. 

London,  England 

Constantinople,  Turkey 

W.  T.  Moore 

0 

fG.  N.  Shishmanlan. . . 
(Garabed  Der  Tavitian 
Garabcd  Kevorkian.. 

(G.  L.  Wharton 

(M.  D.  Adams 

Ky. 

Ky. 
N  Y 

Hurda   India 

0 

Yokohoma,  Japan 

Isthmus  of  Panama  . . . 

fG.  T.  Smith 

0 

\0.  E.  Garst 

W.  H.  Williams 

0. 
Col. 

OPI'ICIARy  OF  THE  F.  0.  M.  SOOIETr.  223 

RECEIPTS  AND  EXPENSES. 

The  following  table  represents  the  amount  re- 
ceived and  expended  each  year  named,  by  the  For- 
eign Christian  Missionary  Society : 

RECEIPTS. 

1875 Organized. 

1876 $  1,706  00 

1877 2,17400 

1878 8,766  00 

1879 8,287  00 

1880 12,144  00 

1881 13,178  46 

1882 25,063  94 

1883 25,504  85 

Total...., $96,824  25 

EXPENDITURES. 

1875 Organized. 

1876 $  1,500  58 

1877 2,240  48 

1878 6,175  05 

1879 11,577  00 

1880 11,807  19 

1881 13,313  06 

1882 20,987  58 

1883 23,637  26 

Total $  91,238  19 


CHAPTER  XII. 

CHRISTIAN  WOMAN'S   BOARD  OF 
MISSIONS. 

I  HE  origin  and  progress  of  this  society  furn- 
ish one  of  the  brightest  pages  in  the  history 
of  missionary  agencies  among  the  Disciples 
of  Christ.  What  is  woman's  place,  and  what 
is  woman's  work  in  the  Church  of  Christ,  are 
questions  which  have  agitated  not  the  Disciples 
only,  but  other  religious  bodies  as  well. 

With  some,  "  Let  your  women  keep  silence  in  the 
churches  "  has  been  considered  as  an  eternal  man- 
date of  God  against  the  opening  of  woman's  lips  in 
public  proclamation  of  the  truth. 

Others  have  held  views  not  so  extreme,  but  still 
extreme  enough  to  practically  keep  woman,  "  silent 
in  the  church"  and  her  feet  far  from  the  highway  of 
public  activity  in  Christian  work. 

Others  have  held  that  "  in  Christ "  there  is  neither 
male  nor  female  and  that  within  the  bounds  of  pru- 
dence, and  the  limitations  of  sex,  and  modified  by 
the  social  customs,  and  circumstances  of  country 
and  age,  woman  has  the  same  rights  under  the  gos- 
pel arrangement  as  man. 

224 


CHRISTIAN    woman's    BOARD    OF    MISSIONS.      225 

A  Christian  woman  is  tlie  glory  of  Christianity, 
the  standing  miracle  of  grace ;  for  nowhere  except  in 
Christianity  is  she  put  on  her  right  footing.  She 
owes  everj^hing  to  Christ.  Two-thirds  of  the  Church 
of  Christ  are  women  and  it  is  the  glory  of  the  gospel 
age  to  "  give  her  of  the  fruit  of  her  hands,  and  let 
her  own  works  praise  her  in  the  gates." 

Manhood  and  womanliood  must  each  l»ri ng  its 
distinctive  offerings  to  God  before  "  throughout  the 
whole  earth  shall  arise  an  holy  temj^le  unto  the 
Lord." 

In  the  great  work  of  recovering  to  God  the  lost 
allegiance  of  the  race,  there  must  be  in  the  church 
the  effectual  working  in  its  measure  of  every  part, 
the  development  and  exercise  of  every  force.  "  The 
pjean  of  praise  is  to  be  universal  but  the  harmony 
will  not  be  complete  until  there  be  added  to  the 
deep  bass  and  strong  tenor  the  trill  of  the  treble 
and  the  softness  of  the  alto." 

Miss  Isabel  Hart  in  her  introduction  to  "  Historical 
Sketches  of  Woman's  Missionary  Societies  "  utters 
herself  vigorously  in  regard  to  woman's  work: 
"  The  interest  of  this  problem  is  only  equalled  by 
its  importance.  How  may  a  woman  help  Christ's 
kingdom  come  ?  Is  there  any  spring  in  the  machin- 
ery which  only  her  fingers  can  touch  and  move? 
Are  there  any  crooked  or  narrow  ways  where  only 
her  feet  can  travel  ?  Any  rough  spots  that  only  her 
touch  can  smooth  —  any  low  levels  which  only  her 
hands  can  raise  —  any  recesses  of  sin  and  sorrow 
where  only  her  voice  can  be  heard  ?    Then,  from  har 

15  ' 


226  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

Master  she  hears  her  call,  and  from  Him  receives 
her  commission.  The  full  answer  to  these  queries 
and  the  clear  solution  of  this  prohlem  come  to  us 
only  in  the  light  of  the  nineteenth  century. 

This  has  well  been  called  the  missionary  epoch  of 
the  church.  In  it  she  has  heard  the  voice  of  her  Lord 
crying,  "Awake,  awake,  put  on  thy  strength,  O  Zion ; 
put  on  thy  beautiful  garments,  O  Jerusalem ! "  In  it 
almost  all  the  great  organized  aggressive  agencies  of 
the  church  have  had  birth,  —  the  Missionary,  the 
Tract,  the  Bible,  the  Sunday-School  cause, — have 
assumed  their  magnificent  proportions  and  are  wield- 
ing their  tremendous  powers.  The  century  had  al- 
most attained  its  meridian  when  a  new  want  was  felt 
among  these  agencies,  and  in  response  thereto  a  new 
voice  was  heard, — a  still  small  voice — yet  none  the  less 
its  whispers  may  reach  where  thunder  tones  might 
fail, — the  woman's  missionary  movement  appears. 
Like  its  Lord  "  it  doth  not  strive  nor  cry,  neither 
shall  its  voice  be  heard  in  the  street."  Like  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  it  cometh  without  observation. 
Like  all  movements  born  from  above  it  came  in  the 
fullness  of  time.  The  Spirit  prompted  and  Provi- 
dence prepared  the  way  for  it.  The  fields  were  just 
right  for  this  sowing ;  the  harvest  was  just  ripe  for 
these  reapers ;  the  world  was  just  ready  and  reach- 
ing out  for  this  agency.  The  missionary  work  had 
come  to  a  point  where  it  must  have  this  help.  The 
march  of  civilization  had  broken  up  the  fallow 
ground,  and  gospel  seed  as  dropped  from  pulpit 
and  press  had  fallen  into  receptive  and  responsive 


OHEISTIAN   woman's   BOARD   OF   MISSIONS.      227 

soil.  Yet  the  women  sit  in  darkness,  and  silence 
and  chains.  No  man's  presence  may  peer  into  that 
darkness  —  no  man's  voice  break  that  silence  —  no 
man's  hand  loose  those  chains.  So  while  point  after 
point  was  gained,  and  battlement  after  battlement 
was  won,  the  citadel — the  home  where  life  is  gener- 
ated and  character  formed,  and  destiny  shaped — 
was  intact  and  unapproachable.  Evidently  some 
new  factors  are  to  be  employed,  some  new  forces 
exerted,  some  key  must  be  found  which  shall  fit  in 
the  lock  that  is  barring  out  Christ  from  the  homes 
of  heathendom.  It  avails  not  much  to  purify  the 
streams  if  we  may  not  touch  the  fountain.  And 
womanhood  is  everywhere,  under  all  conditions,  in 
all  civilizations,  the  fountain  of  life  and  influence. 
Who  will,  who  can,  teach,  rescue,  renew,  raise  the 
women  of  heathendom?  Then,  down  goes  heathen- 
dom and  up  the  family,  the  community,  the  civiliza- 
tion, the  country,  the  race !  That  the  tremendous 
question  to  be  answered,  and  these  the  tremendous 
issues  at  stake.  These  various  women's  missionary 
movements  are  the  practical  response,  and  the 
agencies  God  is  employing  in  answering  these  ques- 
tions. For  with  Him  the  work  to  be  done  and  the 
workers  are  never  far  apart — somewhere  the  supply 
will  be  found  near  to  the  demand ;  where  there  is 
hungering  for  any  good  thing,  the  filling  will  follow." 
The  philosophy  of  Woman's  Missionary  Societies 
is  in  the  very  nature  of  things ;  the  argument  for 
them  in  their  necessity;  and  the  justification  of 
them  in  their  fruits.    Here  a  woman  may  find  a 


228  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

fitting  field  for  the  exercise  of  all  her  energies  and 
powers ;  here,  in  a  way  most  womanly  and  most 
Christly,  may  she  exjoend  all  her  gifts  of  head,  and 
heart,  and  life.  "And  it  is  eminently  fitting  that 
she  who  came  the  nearest  Christ  in  His  birth  and  in 
His  death,  at  His  manger  and  at  His  tomb;  she, 
who  ever  found  in  Him  when  on  earth  fullest  com- 
prehension and  deepest  sympathy;  she,  who  now 
finds  in  Him,  in  Him  alone,  the  Divine  Human  com- 
bining infinite  tenderness  with  infinite  strength,  the 
full  supply  of  every  want  of  her  nature ;  she,  who 
owes  Him  most  having  received  from  Him  most; 
she  who  wears  as  her  crowning  glory  what  is  hurled 
at  her  as  her  supremest  taunt,  that  the  religion  of 
Christ  is  good  for  the  women,  and  the  children,  and 
the  weak ;  it  is  eminently  fitting  that  the  fullness 
of  her  gratitude  and  love  should  expend  itself  in 
seeking  to  raise  other  women  from  the  depths  to  the 
same  heights  of  renewing,  redeeming  grace.  It  is 
eminently  fitting,  it  is  blessed  compensation,  it  is 
Divine  retribution,  that  she  who  brought  sin  into  the 
world,  should  also  bring  the  Savior, — and  that  she, 
also,  who  brought  the  Savior  should  in  these  last 
days  further  on  the  finished  work  of  human  sal- 
vation, should  bring  the  top-stone  to  the  temple  with 
shoutings  of  "  Grace  !  grace  unto  it !  " 

The  King's  daughters  as  well  as  his  sons  are  to  be 
honored  with  his  presence  and  power.  Not  all  wo- 
men can  go  on  missions  to  heathen  lands,  neither 
is  is  necessary  that  they  should.  But  all  Christian 
women  may  do  something,  nevertheless,  for  missions 


0HEI8TIAN   woman's   BOARD   OF   MISSIONS.      229 

in  foreign  lands.  It  is  not  necessary  tliat  every 
woman  should  show  her  faithfulness  to  the  work  of 
the  gospel  in  the  midst  of  loneliness,  watchings, 
perils  by  savage  beasts,  or  by  still  more  savage  men, 
hunger,  famine,  death,  separation  or  sickness.  She 
can  show  as  sublime  a  faith  in  her  patient  toilings 
and  prayers  for  the  means  to  help  her  sisters  over 
the  sea.  There  is  a  strange  attraction  about  mis- 
sionary life,  when  looked  at  in  the  light  of  enthusi- 
astic meetings,  friendly  congratulations,  and  fervent 
''God  speeds  "  ;  but  it  loses  this  kind  of  glamour 
when  pursued  far  away  in  lonely  deserts,  drought- 
stricken  plains,  tiger  and  serpent  haunted  jungles, 
amid  the  ice-bergs,  or  upon  the  solitary  island, 
where  nothing  but  the  rolling  ocean  meets  the  outlook. 

It  is  difficult  to  read  without  tears  the  annals  of 
Christian  women  who  have  gone  forth  to  read  the 
Bible,  pray  without  ceasing,  kneel  beside  the 
stricken  and  the  sinful,  and  die  if  need  be,  for  others 
because  of  the  love  they  bear  to  their  Savior.  All 
honor  to  their  names  and  their  memories,  and  all 
honor  to  those  who  faithfully  sustain  them  while 
they  work. 

If  Mary  Greybiel,  and  Ada  Boyd,  and  Laura  Km- 
zie  and  Mary  Kingsbury,  and  the  ladies  Wharton, 
and  Garst,  and  Smith,  and  Adams,  and  Sliishmanian 
should  never  return  from  the  "Sunrise  Kingdom,"  or 
from  distant  India  or  Turkey,  may  their  sisters  at 
home  be  able  to  say,  "O  what  a  highway  of  holiness 
has  been  raised  by  them  over  which  to  pass  to  the 
conquest  of  the  dark  regions  of  sin.     We  can  follow 


230  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

them,thougli  they  return  not.  Hath  not  the  Most  High 
said,  ''I  will  pave  the  way  to  heathen  lands  with  all 
that  my  people  deem  admirable ;  I  will  trace  out  for 
them  a  path  in  jewels ;  I  will  set  up  indices  of  agate 
to  direct  their  footsteps  and  quicken  their  movements 
to  the  heathen  world." 

The  gifted  and  eloquent  Walter  Scott  once  said : 
"  The  Lord  has  completed  the  connection  between 
the  United  States  and  India.  In  Burmah  lie  buried 
in  the  earth  the  jewels  Boardman,  and  the  queenly 
and  devoted  Annie  Judson.  Nearer  to  us  in  the  deep, 
deep  ocean  lies  her  illustrious  husband,  Adoniram 
Judson.  Nearer  still,  on  the  balmy  isle  of  France, 
sleeps  her  last  sleep  the  faithful  and  tender  hearted 
Harriet  Newel.  Nearer  to  us  still,  on  the  island  of 
Helena,  lies  to  the  resurrection  morning,  the  precious 
gem,  Sarah  Boardman  Judson.  And  the  last  wife  of 
the  illustrious  Judson  rests  in  the  bosom  of  her  na- 
tive country  for  the  sound  of  the  last  trumpet  and 
the  fair  resurrection  morn." 

It  is  not  so  far  to  India  as  it  once  was  for  some  of 
our  sons  and  daughters  are  now  there.  In  all  the 
missionary  annals  there  are  few  things  more  affecting 
than  the  last  parting  of  Adoniram  Judson  with  his 
second  wife  Sarah  Boardman.  They  had  reached  the 
Isle  of  France  on  their  return  from  Burmah  to  the 
United  States.  Her  health,  which  had  been  so  pre- 
carious at  the  start,  had  improved  so  much  that  she 
felt  willing  to  return  to  the  United  States  alone.  She 
was  also  willing  that  her  husband  should  return  to 
Burmah.    It  was,  indeed,  the  last  earthly  parting ; 


CHRISTIAN   woman's   BOARD   OF  MISSIONS.      231 

l3ut  when  she  had  formed  the  resolution,  she  traced 
with  a  pencil  on  a  scrap  of  paper  the  following 
lines,  which  are  expressive  of  the  faith  of  every 
true-hearted  missionary : 

We  part  on  this  green  islet,  Love, 
Thou  for  the  eastern  main ; 
I  for  the  setting  sun,  Love, 
Oh  when  to  meet  again  ! 

My  heart  is  sad  for  thee,  Love, 

For  lone  thy  way  will  be ; 

And  oft  thy  tears  will  fall,  Love 

For  thy  children  and  for  me. 
The  music  of  thy  daughter's  voice 
Thou'lt  miss  for  many  a  year ; 
And  the  merry  shout  of  thy  elder  boys 
Thou'lt  list  in  vain  to  hear. 

When  we  knelt  to  see  our  Henry  die, 
And  heard  his  last  faint  moan ; 
Each  wiped  the  tear  from  others  eye; 
Now,  each  must  weep  alone. 

My  tears  fall  fast  for  thee,  Love, 

How  can  I  say  farewell ! 

But  go ;  thy  God  be  with  thee,  Love, 

Thy  heart's  deep  grief  to  quell. 

Yet  my  spirit  clings  to  thee.  Love, 
Thy  soul  remains  with  me  ; 
And  oft  will  hold  communion  sweet 
O'er  the  dark  and  distant  sea. 

And  who  can  paint  our  mutual  joy, 

When,  all  our  wanderings  o'er, 

We  both  shall  clasp  our  infants  three 

At  home  on  Burmah's  shore. 

But  higher  shall  our  raptures  glow, 
On  yon  celestial  plain. 
When  the  loved  and  parted  here  below 
Meet  ne'er  to  part  again. 


232  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

Then  Gird  thine  armor  on,  Love 
Nor  faint  thou  by  the  way ; 
Till  Boodh  shall  fall  and  Burmah's  sons 
Shall  own  Messiah's  sway. 

It  is  not  likely  tliat  Christian  women  will  lack  in 
the  future  for  a  place  in  the  great  movements  of 
God's  people.  Nothing  can  destroy  in  the  heart  of 
woman,  love  for  kindred  and  race.  To  minister  to 
the  wants  of  those  who  are  needy,  she  vdll  brave 
any  misfortune  and  subject  herself  to  the  greatest 
self-denial.  She  will  endure  fatigue  and  reproach, 
and  suffer  penury  and  want,  and  thus  by  her  moral 
heroism  achieve  the  mightiest  of  moral  conquests. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

HISTORY  OF  THE  C.  W.  B.  M. 

?HE  following  history  of  tlie  Christian  Wo- 
man's Board  of  Missions  is  substantially  as 
found  in  the  official  reports  of  the  society. 

In  July  1874,  Mrs.  S.  E.  Pearre  (formerly 
Miss  Caroline  Neville),  well  known  in  Ken- 
tucky and  Missouri,  suggested  to  a  friend  the  idea 
of  enlisting  the  women  of  the  Christian  Church  in  an 
organized  effort  to  save  and  put  together  all  the  lit- 
tle sums  they  could  from  individual  means,  allow- 
ances, salaries  or  wages,  and  devote  the  amount,  with 
such  time  and  talent  as  could  be  commanded  among 
themselves,  to  missionrry  work.  It  was  first  dis- 
cussed in  Indianapolis  among  four  or  five  women, 
at  a  regular  meeting  of  a  little  Aid  Society.  At  the 
next  meeting  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Pearre  was  read, 
proposing  the  formation  of  a  society  uj)on  the  foun- 
dation just  mentioned.  Those  present  were  inter- 
ested— a  short  article  of  incorporation  was  written 
upon  the  spot — seven  or  eight  names  were  signed — 
a  president,  secretary  and  treasurer  were  chosen, 
and  a  meeting  appointed.  These  were  middle  aged 
and  elderly  women — ^mothers  and  housekeepers — 

233 


234  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

not  one  of  whom  had  ever  spoken  in  any  assembly, 
nor  had  any  experience  in  conducting  any  kind  of  a 
meeting.  Not  one,  perhaps,  felt  any  special  interest 
in  foreign  missions,  and  but  one  or  two  had  ever  read 
anything  upon  the  subject ;  but  this  matter  appeared 
in  the  shape  of  a  good  work,  and  to  all  such  they 
felt  under  obligations  "to  be  ready."  A  few  weeks 
later,  Isaac  Errett  chanced  to  be  visiting  in  Iowa  City, 
where  Mrs.  Pearre  resided,  and  she  unfolded  the 
subject  and  her  wishes  to  him.  He  was  interested, 
and,  upon  his  return  home,  wrote  one  or  two  articles 
for  the  Christ  Ian  Standard,  under  the  caption  of 
"  Help  those  Women,"  in  which  was  suggested  the 
idea  of  a  mass  meeting  of  women  to  take  the  matter 
into  consideration.  In  connection  with  the  announce- 
ment of  the  coming  October  General  Convention,  was 
published  a  call  for  such  a  meeting  to  be  held  at  the 
same  time  in  the  city  of  Cincinnati.  Mrs.  Pearre 
presided  at  that  meeting,  and  with  stirring  words 
and  earnest  prayer  she  laid  the  plans  before  some 
seventy-five  women.  Mrs.  Milligan,  of  Kentucky; 
Mrs.  Sloan  and  Mrs.  Goodwin,  of  Ohio ;  Mrs.  Rogers, 
of  Missouri ;  Miss  Dickinson,  of  Illinois ;  Mrs.  King, 
of  Pennsylvania ;  and  Mrs.  Brown  and  Mrs.  Norris, 
of  Indiana,  were  present,  and  with  their  assistance 
was  organized  "  The  Christian  Woman's  Board  of 
Missions,"  upon  a  form  of  constitution  and  by-laws 
copied  largely  from  that  of  the  "Woman's  Mission- 
ary Society  of  the  Congregational  Church."  This 
document,  subsequently  amended,  will  be  found  in 
Chapter  XIX. 


HISTORY   OF  THE   0.  W.  B.  M.  235 

Headquarters  were  placed  at  Indianapolis,  and 
tlie  general  officers  were  chosen  with  reference  to 
that  vicinity.  These,  together  with  Vice-Presidents, 
Secretaries  and  Managers  representing  five  States, 
were  elected  by  the  meeting.  Then  the  President 
called  for  a  decision  upon  the  special  object  for 
which  the  new  society  should  work,  announcing  four 
different  ones  which  had  been  suggested  from  differ- 
ent directions.  These  were :  (1)  Some  point  on  the 
Western  frontier.  (2)  The  Freedmen's  Mission.  (3) 
The  support  of  a  female  teacher  in  connection  with 
the  Free  Baptist  Mission,  either  in  India  or  China. 
(4)  The  revival  of  the  Jamaica  Mission.  The  claims 
and  importance  of  each  of  these  were  distinctly 
stated,  and  a  vote  was  twice  retaken,  in  order  to  gain 
as  full  and  free  expressions  as  possible;  and  the 
result  was  an  almost  unanimous  vote  for  the  Jamaica 
Mission.  It  was  a  scene  worthy  of  remembrance — 
the  eyes  that  glistened  with  joy  at  this  announce- 
ment and  the  tearful  utterances  of  fond  remem- 
brance of  Brother  Beardslee's  work,  and  of  pent-up 
sorrow  and  shame  at  its  abandonment  and  hopes 
long  delayed  for  its  revival.  There  was  some  dis- 
appointment to  those  who  had  been*  looking  over 
the  rich  fields  that  lay  nearer  and  longing  to  enter 
by  this  new  opening  way ;  but  all  had  pledged  them- 
selves, each  to  the  other,  to  abide  by  the  decision  of 
the  majority,  and  to  work  harmoniously,  and  so  de- 
velop our  entire  strength.  So,  with  hearts  laden 
with  this  new  responsibility,  and  with  unwonted 
feelings  of  dependence  upon  God  for  wisdom  and 


236  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

strength,  we  united  our  prayers  to  Him  to  guide  us, 
and  separated  for  tlie  year,  each  to  work  in  her  lit- 
tle circle  around  her  home.  On  the  first  Monday  of 
the  following  December,  the  first  meeting  of  the 
Executive  Committee  was  held  in  Indianapolis,  and 
plans  were  devised  to  attempt,  by  correspondence, 
the  establishment  of  auxilliaries  all  over  the  coun- 
try. The  work  went  on  slowly  but  steadily  until 
the  end  of  the  year,  when,  with  the  approach  of  the 
convention  at  Louisville,  was  agitated  the  question 
of  employing  a  missionary  and  opening  the  work ; 
but  having  fixed  the  proposed  salary  at  twelve  or 
fifteen  hundred  dollars,  and  having  now  only  a  little 
over  one  thousand  dollars  in  the  treasury,  they  resist- 
ed the  temj)tation  to  make  the  appointment.  By  the 
1st  of  January  following,  finding  over  fifteen  hun- 
dred dollars  on  hand,  we  advertised  for  applications, 
and  received,  within  perhaps  two  weeks,  letters  from 
ten  or  twelve  persons.  Among  others  came  one  from 
W.  H,  Williams,  of  Platte  City,  Mo.  He  was  en- 
tirely unknown  to  us,  save  by  the  recommendation 
he  sent ;  but  taking  everything  into  consideration,  it 
seemed  best  to  accej)t  his  offer.  On  tlie  29th  day  of 
the  same  month,  January,  1876,  he  sailed  from  New 
York,  with  his  wife  and  child,  upon  the  steamer 
Atlas,  having  spent  one  day  in  Indianapolis  in  pass- 
ing, where  he  met  the  Executive  Board  to  receive 
full  letters  of  instruction,  and  was  visited  by  a  num- 
ber of  brethren  and  sisters,  all  of  whom  remember 
him  and  his  wife  with  affectionate  interest. 


UISTORY   OF  THE   C.  W.  B.  M.  237 

Arriving  in  Kingston  on  the  5tli  of  February,  he 
was  met  with  warm  welcome  "b}^  the  people  who  were 
looking  anxiously  for  him ;  and  the  next  day,  while 
still  staggering  from  the  effects  of  a  rough  voyage 
he  preached  to  about  thirty  people  in  the  old  chapel, 
Avhich  was  dilapidated  indeed,  within  and  without, 
leaking  and  unpainted.  Every  meeting  his  audience 
increased,  until  the  house  could  not  hold  them. 
Meantime,  he  had  called  the  members  together,  and 
fully  explained  his  circumstances  and  the  object 
and  policy  of  the  Board  that  sent  him — mentioning 
especially  our  convictions  that  one  most  important 
lesson  for  them  to  learn  was  that  of  gradually 
reached  independence  and  power  of  self-support. 
Hand  in  hand  with  conversions  and  church  mem- 
bership, must  be  taken  up  the  duty  and  habit  of 
systematic  giving  to  the  Lord's  cause.  This  possi- 
bly new  doctrine  was  favorably  received,  and  all 
pledged  themselves  almost  without  exception  to  the 
payment  of  a  specified  sum,  weekly,  toward  the  cur- 
rent expenses,  and  repairs  that  were  needed  imme- 
diately. From  that  day  until  now,  the  history  of 
the  mission  has  been  one  of  not  rapid  but  steady, 
substantial  growth.  Constant  study  of  the  Scrip- 
tures with  the  people,  prayer  meetings,  teachers' 
meetings,  Sunday-schools,  and  jDreaching  in  various 
parts  of  the  city,  with  visiting  from  house  to  house, 
has  been  the  programme.  Several  native  young 
men  put  themselves  under  Brother  Williams  for  in- 
struction, and  rendered  him  regular  assistance  in 
all  these  thino-s.     Some  of  these  are  now  learning  to 


238  OHKISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

preach.  Brotlier  Smeeton  (then  a  Baptist),  an  Eng- 
lish gentleman,  came  with  his  family  over  to  us. 
Upon  his  plantation,  called  "Content,"  he  built  a 
day  school,  besides  opening  a  night  school.  At  first 
he  thought  he  could  not  presume  to  preach,  so  he 
only  invited  the  people  into  his  coffee-picking  rooms 
on  Sunday  and  read  to  them  from  the  Scriptui^es ; 
but  now  he  is  ordained. 

The  congregation  in  Kingston  now  numbers  one 
hundred  and  seventy-five.  The  regular  contribu- 
tions amount  to  some  ten  or  twelve  dollars,  and 
the  chapel  enlarged  to  a  capacity  for  four  or  five 
hundred,  beside  school  rooms,  is  neatly  seated, 
painted,  and  in  perfect  repair — an  attractive,  com- 
fortable place,  at  a  cost  of  about  nine  hundred  dol- 
lars. There  are  some  half  a  dozen  other  places  on 
the  Island  where  mission  schools  and  regular 
preaching  are  going  on  prosperously.  Oberlin  and 
Dallas  and  JSTew  Zealand  are  among  the  names  of 
these.  Bro.  James  Tilley,  a  young  Englisman,  is  in 
charge  of  several  congregations  in  the  mountains, 
under  Brother  Williams'  advice  and  superintend- 
ence. His  residence  is  at  Oberlin.  He  was  raised 
in  London,  converted  by  Mr.  Spurgeon,  and  became 
an  active  worker  under  him;  had  been  living  in 
Jamaica  two  years  when  Brother  Williams  went 
there;  heard  him  preach,  and  in  a  few  months 
united  with  us,  and  went  to  work  vigorously  in 
schools,  cottage  meetings,  and  also  in  studying  the 
Word  with  a  view  to  preaching.  The  day  came 
when  he  was  considered  worthy  to  be  ordained,  and 


HISTORY   OF  THE   C.  W.  B.  M.  239 

then  lie  gave  up  Ms  situation  in  business  and  offered 
his  services  to  us  for  the  mountain  work.  We  had 
been  looking  for  some  one  to  put  into  this  part  of 
the  field,  and  he  seemed  for  many  reasons  the  suit- 
able person ;  although  in  recommending  him  for  it, 
Brother  Williams  gave  up  a  cherished  hope  of  hav- 
ing a  co-laborer  sent  from  this  country.  We  have 
employed  him  at  a  salary  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars  for  a  term  of  three  years,  of  which  one  year 
has  nearly  expired.  He  is  doing  good  service — 
rapidly  building  up  two  churches — and  is  developing 
into  a  first-rate  preacher.  During  the  last  month, 
he  was  married  to  an  estimable  Christian  woman 
from  London,  to  whom  he  had  long  been  engaged. 

The  establishment  of  schools  all  over  the  Island 
forms  an  important  feature  of  our  projected  work. 
Five  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  were  sent  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  year  as  a  special  appropriation  for 
this  purpose,  besides  seventy-five  dollars  annually 
paid  to  Bro,  Darby,  a  promising  young  native 
teacher,  who  has  been  in  charge  of  the  church  at 
New  Bethel  for  two  years.  We  have  now  appointed 
a  lady.  Miss  Jennie  Laughlin,  of  Indiana,  teacher  for 
the  school  to  be  opened  in  Kingston.  She  will  also 
act  as  associate  missionary,  devoting  all  the  time 
that  remains  from  her  school  duties  to  labor  among 
women.  She  will  sail  about  the  last  of  December, 
1878,  and  will  receive  a  salary  of  seven  hundred  dol- 
lars. The  Board  has  always  received  a  monthly  offi- 
cial letter  from  Bro.  Williams,  and  has  now  decided  to 
ask  the  same  from  the  other  laborers  above  mentioned. 


240  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

Many  of  these  will  be  published,  so  that  those  who 
read  our  religious  papers  will  have  a  constant  view  of 
our  Jamaica  Mission  from  different  standpoints.  One 
thing  more  it  is,  perhaps,  well  to  add :  After  much 
anxiety  during  the  past  summer  about  Bro.  Wil- 
liams' health,  and  many  alternations  between  hope 
and  fear  as  to  the  necessity  of  his  removal  from  that 
trying  climate,  the  Board  is  rejoiced  to  learn  by  very 
recent  mail,  of  his  decided  improvement  in  strength 
and  physical  condition,  and  his  consequent  and  final 
decision  to  remain  in  the  field.  In  answer  to  ques- 
tions from  various  parts  of  the  country,  Bro.  Wil- 
liams says,  in  a  letter  received  since  the  annual 
meeting,  "  I  can  give  you  only  approximately  the 
desired  information.  To  the  49  members  found  here 
123  have  been  added,  making  the  total  number  of 
communicants  in  Kingston  172.  The  yearly  average 
contribution  will  be  furnished  soon.  The  collections 
now  run  from  $8  to  $10  weekly.  (Sunday-school 
$1.25  to  $1.50  additional.)  The  schools  for  which 
the  $550  was  appropriated  were:  1.  Kingston  school, 
which  absorbed  the  larger  portion  of  this  money  for 
building,  and  Avhicli  is  now  waiting  for  the  teacher. 
2.  Oberlin  school,  which  is  flourishing  and  efficient, 
and  Darby's  school  a  success.  One  other  school  at 
Bethlehem,  I  suspended  after  considerable  expense 
and  plenty  of  trouble.  Content  church  numbers 
twenty-six  members,  its  school  about  forty.  Bitoe 
church  has  over  sixty  members,  and  under  Bro. 
Tilley's  management,  is  flourishing.  I  consider  both 
Content  and  Bitoe  in  excellent  hands  and  condition. 


HISTORY   OF   THE   0.  W.  B.  Ji.  241 

I  have  thought  that  this  mission  may,  by  wise  man- 
agement, be  made  self-sustaining  in  ten  years,  but 
this  is  a  hazardous  guess;  possibly  in  less  time, 
probably  longer.  These  are  only  approximate  truths, 
not  carefully  prepared  statements.  All  these  and 
much  more  will  appear  in  my  next  annual  report  in 
February." 

The  above  is  a  hastily  given  objective  view  of  the 
Christian  Woman's  Board  of  Missions.  The  other 
side,  and  probably  the  more  important  —  the  work 
done  and  doing  in  the  hearts  of  women  and,  through 
them,  of  men  throughout  many  States,  by  the  effort 
to  organize  and  sustain  auxiliaries  —  cannot  well  be 
expressed  in  written  words ;  but  to  those  who  are 
constantly  looking  over  it,  it  seems  no  less  promising 

of  great  results. 

********* 

Three  years  have  passed  since  the  above  sketch 
was  written,  in  which  time  so  many  things  of  inter- 
est, to  those  who  are  likely  to  read  these  lines,  have 
occurred,  that  it  is  difficult  to  give  even  a  brief  gen- 
eral narration  up  to  the  present  time.  The  fears  of 
the  Board  were  finally  realized  in  the  return  of  Mr. 
"Williams  from  Jamaica.  He  sailed  thence  on  the 
13th  of  March,  1879,  for  a  three  or  six  months'  ab- 
sence, on  account  of  Mrs.  Williams  health,  which 
was  steadily  declining.  She  seeming  to  grow  worse, 
however,  after  reaching  this  country,  in  August  he 
offered  his  resignation.  This  was  of  necessity,  though 
vdth  regret,  accepted.  Miss  Jennie  Laughlin  had 
gone  out,  reaching  Kingston  the  latter  part  of  Decem- 

16 


242  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

ber,  1878,  about  eleven  weeks  before  Mr.  Williams' 
departure,  so  that  slie  had  his  assistance  in  the  in- 
auguration of  her  school,  which  opened  January  1, 
1879.  She  was  left  in  charge  by  him,  of  many 
of  the  affairs  of  the  mission.  At  his  suggestion, 
Mr.  James  Tilley  moved  from  Oberlin  to  Kingston 
to  take  his  place  in  the  pulpit  during  his  absence,  but 
this  arrangement  proving  not  an  advantageous  one 
for  himself  or  the  church,  he  returned  to  his  former 
work  in  Oberlin  in  the  autumn.  In  October,  1879,  in 
his  report  to  the  Bloomington  Convention,  Mr.  Tilley 
wrote  as  follows :  That  he  began  his  labors  for  us 
about  two  years  before  at  Oberlin,  an  old  preaching 
station  of  Bro  Beardslee's,  which  had  gone  over  to 
the  Baptists,  but  which  came  back  again  to  us,  in 
October,  1877.  He  soon  baptized  seventeen  persons. 
The  work  thus  fairly  started  grew  rapidly,  and  he 
resolved  to  repair  the  meeting-house,  taxing  every 
member  (numbering  about  thirty)  to  bring  an  offer- 
ing for  that  purpose.  The  call  met  cheerful  response ; 
the  work  was  undertaken  and  finished  at  a  cost  of 
$625,  about  half  of  which,  at  the  time  of  writing,  was 
due  to  him.  There  was  then  a  membership  of  one 
hundred,  five  deacons,  a  good  day-school,  with  an 
average  attendance  of  seventy,  and  a  good  Sunday- 
school. 

Bitoe  had  been  organized  many  years  before  by 
an  old  Bro.  Mathes,  one  of  Bro.  Beardslee's  converts. 
Bro.  Austin  (colored)  also  preached  occasionally. 
After  his  death,  Mr.  Tilley  labored  among  them  and 
succeeded  in  having  the  station  made  over  to  us. 


HISTORY   OF   THE   C.  W.  B.  M.  243 

Many  months  of  cheerless  labor  were  spent  in  Bitoe 
before  any  fruits  appeared,  but  the  time  came  when 
the  truth  prevailed.  Thirty  members  have  been 
added  up  to  date  of  October,  1879,  and  he  adds,  "we 
are  earnestly  praying,  working,  looking  for  more." 
The  next  station  gained  was  Chesterfield,  formerly 
belonging  to  the  Congregationalists,  but  fallen  into 
disuse.  Mr.  Tilley  was  invited  to  preach,  and  in  due 
time  it  came  to  us.  At  the  end  of  ten  months  the 
membership  had  increased  from  forty- three  to  sixty- 
eight,  and  we  had  a  good  day  and  Sunday-school 
with  an  average  attendance  at  each  df  sixty-four. 
He  gives  as  a  little  incident  of  his  work  there,  the 
fact  that  a  man  who  had  been  a  deacon  for  twenty 
years  would  not  be  baptized,  though  he  was  as  earn- 
est a  worker  as  there  was  in  the  church.  "  The  only 
way  to  win  him,  and  others  like  him,  seemed  to  be 
by  patient,  faithful  persuasion." 

Mt.  Zion  was  formerly  a  Baptist  Church,  once  a 
very  large  one,  but  for  many  years  neglected.  It 
required  an  outlay  of  $500  (raised  by  the  people) 
to  make  the  meeting-house  comfortable.  Here  Mr. 
Tilley  had  added  thirty  persons  since  Mr.  Williams 
left  the  Island.  His  account  of  one  of  the  baptisms 
gives  a  glimpse  of  their  curious  customs.  Sunday, 
August  17,  was  the  day  set,  and  of  the  seventeen 
candidates  five  couples  were  to  be  married  on  the 
previous  night.  At  noon  on  Saturday,  the  heavy 
tropical  rains  began  to  fall  and  continued  until  late 
in  the  night,  raising  the  three  rivers  which  have  to 
be  crossed  between  Kingston  and  Mt.  Zion  until  the 


244  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

journey  Avas  rendered  well  nigh  impossilble.  Al)out 
2  o'clock  in  tlie  morning,  waking  and  finding  the 
rains  over,  Mr.  Tilley  arose  and  started,  the  distance 
being  eleven  miles ;  arrived  at  5  o'clock  and,  to  his 
surprise,  found  the  five  couples  waiting  to  be  mar- 
ried and  tlie  seventeen  waiting  to  be  baptized  as 
soon  as  the  weddings  were  over.  They  had  walked 
seven  miles  through  the  pouring  rain  in  the  night  to 
be  read}^  at  the  chapel  on  Sunday  morning.  Hun- 
dreds of  well-wishers  were  there  to  greet  their  "min- 
ister," and  to  thank  God  for  bringing  him  safely 
through  the  rivers  in  the  dark.  Immediately  he 
married  the  five  couples  and  j^roceedf'd  with  the 
seventeen  to  the  sea  for  baptism.  The  roads  were 
muddy,  the  weather  bad,  yet  there  were  nearly  1,000 
people  present,  some  mounted,  some  on  foot,  all  well 
behaved.  The  place  appointed  for  baptisms  was 
about  two  miles  distant,  and  the  whole  company 
marched  along,  singing  appropriate  hymns  in  char- 
acteristic styles.  Arriving,  they  were  greeted  by 
about  100  other  spectators  who  had  come  in  boats 
to  witness  the  ceremony.  After  this  he  went  to 
breakfast  and  from  thence  to  the  Lord's  house,  which 
was  crowded  with  an  attentive  audience,  for  fellow- 
ship, breaking  of  bread  and  prayer. 

Of  Dallas,  or  New  Bethel,  we  learn  from  A.  S. 
Darby's  letter  of  even  date  with  the  above,  that 
"the  Gospel  was  well  and  faithfully  preached  in  this 
district,  in  Bro.  Beardslee's  time,  by  himself  and 
others.  A  church  was  planted  here  and  growing  well. 
After  Bro.  Beardslee  left  the  Island  it  went  to  the  Bap- 


HISTOEY   OF  THE   0.  W.  B.  M.  245 

tists,  but  six  men  quietly  withdrew.  These  had  been 
meeting,  for  some  months  previous  to  Bro.  Williams' 
arrival,  at  a  private  house.  They  had,  however, 
secured  ground  and  got  up  a  building,  when  a  hurri- 
cane came  (July,  1876)  and  brought  down  the  roof. 
Bro.  Murray  and  Bro.  and  Sister  Williams  visited 
them  soon  after.  Bro.  Murray  then  visited  them 
once  a  month,  until  I  came  in  January,  1877,  and 
found  more  than  a  dozen  members.  I  have  been 
trying  all  along  to  show  them  and  to  train  them  in 
that  systematic  giving,  as  the  Lord  has  blessed  them, 
I  have  much  difficulty  with  some,  not  so  with  others. 
The  monthly  contributions  will  faii"ly  average  $3.41. 
They  all  show  great  willingness  in  giving  time  and 
labor  for  the  benefit  of  the  church." 

Besides  these  letters  from  Mr.  Darby  and  Mr.  Til- 
ley,  there  were  others  of  great  interest  and  import- 
ance read  at  the  Convention — one  each  from  Miss 
Laughlin  and  Mr.  Smeeton,  and  a  very  excellent  ad- 
dress from  W.  H.  WiUiams,  upon  this  subject :  ''Why 
was  Jamaica,  a  single  Island  in  the  Caribbean  Sea, 
selected  as  the  field  of  operation  for  theC.  W.B.M." 
The  answers  he  gave  to  that  question  are  well  worthy 
of  consideration.  Indeed,  upon  many  points  con- 
nected with  the  Jamaica  Mission,  we  commend  the 
minutes  of  the  Bloomington  Convention  as  a  book  of 
reference.  S.  P.  Smeeton  is  the  English  gentleman 
mentioned  in  our  previous  sketch  as  coming  to  us 
from  the  Baptists  a  few  months  after  the  revival  of 
the  mission.  He  immediately  began  a  good  work  in 
Content,  where  he  lived,  establishing  a  day-school, 


246  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

Sunday-school  and  regular  preacMng.  This  he  car- 
ried on  for  some  time — even  after  his  removal  to 
Kingston  he  was  at  considerable  expense  for  it.  Fi- 
nally, we  regret  to  say,  for  want  of  means,  this  station 
was  necessarily  allowed  to  pass  into  other  hands. 

Of  A.  S.  Darby  Mr.  Williams  said :  "  He  is  doing 
exactly  the  work  required  and  it  is  at  once  a  culmina- 
tion of  our  plan  and  prophecy  and  pledge  of  its 
success.  Competent  natives  doing  the  work  among 
their  own  people  is  what  we  hope  one  day  to  see,  and  is 
what  we  now  see  in  his  case.  He  and  another  black 
boy  obeyed  the  gospel  upon  hearing  the  first  sermon 
that  I  preached  in  Jamaica  within  thirty  hours  after 
my  arrival.  When  he  graduated  in  the  Normal 
School  I  employed  him  to  teach  our  first  class  in 
Jamaica,  and  ever  since,  as  teacher,  preacher  and 
general  manager  of  his  station  he  has  been  decid- 
edly successful." 

During  the  summer  of  1879  the  matter  of  contribut- 
ing to  the  French  Mission  had  been  agitated  and  dis- 
cussed, and  at  Bloomington  action  was  taken  in  the 
shape  of  a  resolution,  "  1st,  that  we  will  pay  $500 
to  the  French  Mission  this  year;  2nd,  this  $500 
shall  be  paid  to  Miss  Crease  (an  assistant  of  Mrs. 
DeLaunay)  upon  her  salary  ;  3rd,  this  money  shall 
be  paid  through  the  Foreign  Christian  Missionary 
Society."  Just  after  this  action,  and  without  any 
knowledge  of  it,  Mr.  Timothy  Coop  made  us  a  gift  of 
£100.  Scarcely  had  we  reached  home  from  this  Con- 
vention when  letters  arrived  telling  of  a  great  flood 
and  terrible  destruction  in  Jamaica.  Brother  Darby 


HISTOEY   OF  THE   0.  W.  B.  M.  247 

and  his  liousehold  barely  escaping  with,  their  lives. 
He  lost  almost  everything  he  owned,  including  his 
horse,  which  was  absolutely  necessary  to  the  prose- 
cution of  his  work.  The  Board,  however,  immedi- 
ately made  an  appropriation  of  $75  for  his  benefit, 
besides  forwarding  the  first  half  of  his  year's  salary, 
in  order  to  relieve  him  as  speedily  as  possible.  The 
church  at  Bitoe  was  considerably  injui'ed,  and  as 
one  more  unfortunate  result  of  the  storm.  Miss 
Laughlin  contracted  a  cold  which  came  near  ending 
her  life.  For  months  she  struggled  on,  trying  to 
keep  up  her  school,  but  in  May,  1880,  she  was  com- 
pelled to  return  to  this  country. 

Meantime,  after  much  unavoidable  delay,  during 
which  we  felt  deeply  conscious  that  time  was  being 
lost  and  our  interests  sufiering  for  want  of  a  mana- 
ger in  Kingston,  we  appointed  Mr.  Isaac  Tomlinson 
and  wife  our  missionaries,  and  about  April  13,  they 
sailed  from  New  York.  The  Secretary  of  the  Board 
speaks  of  Mrs  Tomlinson,  October,  1880,  thus  :  "She 
is  so  well  qualified  in  all  respects,  so  thoroughly 
acquainted  with  the  designs  and  desires  of  the  whole 
Board,  having  been  so  long  connected  with  it,  that 
we  knew  she  would  render  such  assistance  as  few 
women  could.  She  would  be  a  co-worker  in  the  full- 
est sense."  In  August,  1880,  a  frightful  cyclone 
greatly  multiplied  the  distress  of  the  previous  year. 
Bro.  Tilley  and  his  family  were  among  the  sufferers 
this  time.  Their  house  at  Oberlin  was  unroofed,  ex- 
cept one  room,  and  most  of  their  personal  property 
destroyed  or  damaged.     The  church  there  was  lev- 


248  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

eled  to  tlie  ground.  Bro.  Smeeton  also  lost  heavily. 
His  family  was  left  lioineless  and  spent  some  time 
with  Brother  Tomlinson  until  his  house  was  rebuilt 
The  loss  of  vegetable  productions  disabled  the  na- 
tives from  doing  their  part  in  the  support  of  their 
preachers.  Consequently  some  small  contribution 
from  us  in  the  way  of  additions  to  their  salaries 
was  necessary.  Miss  Laughlin's  place  as  teacher  of 
a  female  school  in  Kingston  was  now  supplied  by  the 
appointment  of  Miss  Marion  Perkins,  who  sailed  on 
the  30th  of  September,  1880,  and  went  immediately 
to  work,  Mrs.  Tomlinson  having  solicited  the  pupils 
and  opened  the  school  preparatory  to  Miss  Perkin's 
arrival. 

In  February,  1880,  the  Christian  Woman's  Board 
of  Missions  took  out  articles  of  incorporation,  by  this 
act  gaining  existence  and  recognition  in  law,  and 
thus  securing  the  permanency  of  the  endowment 
fund  and  the  safe  conveyance  of  bequests  and  dona- 
tions. There  had  formerly  been  a  form  of  bequest, 
legally  drawn  up,  to  be  made  to  a  trustee,  Mr.  John 
Duncan,  of  Indianapolis,  who  had  charge  of  the  en- 
dowment fund  and  was  under  bond  for  twice  its 
amount,  as  provided  for  in  the  fifth  clause  of  the 
constitution.  This  arrangement  having  been  made 
for  the  purpose  of  safe  conveyance  of  donations,  be- 
quests, etc.,  until  an  incorporation  was  effected,  the 
office  of  trustee  was  soon  after  abolished,  and  the 
fund,  which  is  continually  gaining  additions  from  life 
memberships,  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  Board.     During  the  summer  a  gromng  desire 


HISTORY   OF   THE   C.   VV.  B.  M.  249 

upon  the  part  of  many  to  commence  work  among 
the  freedmen  of  the  South  became  manifest.  Many 
letters  on  the  subject  were  written  to  the  Board,  and 
some  small  contrbutions  sent  in,  also  some  for  the 
Turkish  Mission  and  one  for  India,  showing  that  the 
doing  something  had  begotten  the  desire  to  do  more. 
At  the  Louisville  Convention,  October,  1880,  a  resolu- 
tion was  passed  that,  "In  view  of  the  great  desire  ex- 
pressed by  many  of  our  sisters  to  engage  in  Home 
Mission  work,  and  realizing  the  responsibility  rest- 
ing on  us  as  Christians  in  neglecting  to  do  anything 
toward  the  education  and  elevation  of  the  colored 
people  in  our  midst,  and  as  some  pledges  have 
already  been  made  for  that  purpose,  your  committee 
would  recommend  that  further  contributions  be 
asked  for  to  send  a  suitable  man  to  preach  and  teach 
among  the  freelmen,  leaving  the  point  to  which  he 
be  sent  to  the  discretion  of  the  Board."  The  $500 
appropriation  for  Miss  Crease  was  continued  for  the 
coming  year,  and  a  similar  one  made  for  the  sup- 
port of  a  male  assistant  for  Bro.  DeLaunay.  We 
also,  at  this  time,  adopted  Bro.  Tomlinson's  recom- 
mendation, "that  Bro.  Tilley  be  removed  from  Ober- 
lin  to  locate  near  Bitoe  and  Mt.  Zion,  and  take  charge 
of  these  churches,  and  that  Bro.  Chamberlin  (colored) 
succeed  him  in  charge  of  Oberlin. 

Year  after  year  we  had  tried  to  find  some  practica- 
ble way  by  which  to  promote  the  extension  and  care 
of  our  auxiliaries,  but  vdthout  success.  This  year 
a  "  recommendation  for  the  formation  of  a  contin- 
gent fund  to  be  used  by  the  General  Board  in  or- 


250  CHEISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

ganizing  auxilliary  societies  in  localities  where  the 
interest  is  sufficient  to  warrant  such  an  expenditure," 
was  adopted.  But  little  resulted  from  this,  as  the 
collections  taken  up  on  the  spot  have  never  been  in- 
creased by  further  contributions.  In  those  States, 
as  Illinois  and  Missouri,  where  there  were  State 
organizations  (these  not  being  forbidden,  though  not 
provided  for  in  our  Constitution)  money  is  raised  for 
the  work  of  extensions  within  the  State. 

Bro.  Tomlinson  writes  at  this  time,  October,  1880, 
"that  since  the  21st  of  April,  the  attendance  at  the 
Kingston  church  has  doubled  among  the  members, 
and  nearly  trebled  among  those  outside.  Almost 
every  week  some  one  makes  the  good  confession. 
The  Sunday-school  has  trebled.  I  have  organized 
a  Bible  class  of  young  men,  which  has  reached  an 
average  of  twelve  members.  The  amount  raised  by 
contributions  in  church  and  Sunday-school  since  last 
January  is  $375.  "Within  the  range  of  my  experi- 
ence I  have  known  of  no  church  that  has  looked 
more  closely  after  its  poor  and  distressed.  In  this 
respect  this  people  manifest  the  spirit  of  the  Savior, 
and  give  an  example  to  the  world  of  one  of  the  chief 
elements  of  a  pure  and  undetiled  religion.  The  five 
stations  under  your  management  are  all  moving 
toward  the  point  of  self-support."  He  gives  the 
number  of  members  at  that  time  (October,  1880)  at 
Kingston,  140 ;  at  Oberlin,  85 ;  at  Bitoe,  83  ;  Mt.  Zion 
100 ;  Dallas,  not  reported,  but  known  to  be  over  65. 
Soon  after  her  arrival  in  Kingston,  Miss  Perkins 
opened  a  training  class  in  connection  with  her  school. 


HISTOEY   OF  THE   0.  W.  B.  M.  251 

Her  reports  of  the  progress  of  these  girls  in  the 
domestic  arts,  as  well  as  learning  how  to  teach  has 
been  very  interesting.  Five  of  the  number  have  been, 
during  the  past  year,  adopted  by  different  societies 
in  this  country;  that  is,  clothing,  books  and  other 
necessary  articles  are  furnished  them,  and  some  as- 
sistance given  in  paying  board  while  at  school.  The 
importance  of  training  up  native  females  for  teachers 
has  always  been  impressed  upon  us  by  those  who 
know  anything  of  this  field  and  its  needs. 

In  the  spring  of  1881,  we  employed  Elder  R. 
Faurot,a  veteran  well  known  among  our  brethren  in 
connection  with  home  mission  work,  to  begin  a  work 
among  the  freedmen  of  the  South,  somewhat  after 
our  plan  in  Jamaica,  including  preaching,  teaching  a 
Bible  class,  visiting  from  house  to  house,  etc.  He 
started  on  the  28th  of  April,  and  located  at  Jackson- 
ville, Mississippi,  in  the  midst  of  a  large  colored 
population,  and  is  succeeding  well.  He  is  ably  as- 
sisted by  his  wife,  who  labors  among  the  women, 
trying  to  instruct  them  in  domestic  and  maternal 
duties.  He  is  constantly  begged  to  open  a  school, 
and  we  are  now  making  arrangements  to  send  a 
teacher  to  him.  It  is  expected  that  this  school  will 
be  self-supporting. 

In  August  of  this  year,  Bro.  Tomlinson  ofiered  his 
resignation,  asking  that  it  might  take  effect  the  1st 
of  November.  It  was  accepted  with  the  request  that 
he  remain  until  January  1,  1882.  This  he  consented 
to  do  and  until  that  time  is  pursuing  his  labors  as 
before. 


!^52  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

On  the  28tli  of  September,  1881,  in  Indianapolis, 
surrounded  by  relatives  and  loving  friends,  Miss 
Jennie  Laughlin  died.  Of  her  work  in  Jamaica, 
although  it  lasted  only  sixteen  months,  we  are  told 
that  "  no  one  ever  made  before  such  an  impression 
in  educational  circles  in  Kingston  as  she  did."  One 
school  official  said  that  he  had  "  never  seen  so  well 
ordered  and  well  governed  a  school  as  hers."  Could 
she  have  lived,  we  doubt  not  that  her  influence  for 
good  would  have  been  wide-spread  and  permanent. 
Her  last  hours  were  marked  by  a  serenity  and 
cheerfulness  rarely  witnessed.  It  was  a  fit  ending 
of  such  a  life. 

At  the  close  of  the  year,  October,  1881,  Bro.  Tom- 
linson  writes  that  the  Kingston  Church  enrolls  200 
members,  forty  of  whom  have  been  added  during 
this  year.  He  speaks  of  them  as  an  earnest,  intel- 
ligent, prayerful  people,  rich  in  faith,  though  poor 
in  this  world's  goods,  ready,  however,  to  contribute, 
to  the  extent  of  their  ability,  to  the  relief  of  the 
poor.  The  country  stations  having  lost  heavily  by 
the  flood  and  the  cyclone,  have  not  much  of  pro- 
gress to  report.  Obeiiin's  membership  is  given  at 
100,  with  a  good  school.  Mt.  Zion  and  Bitoe  have 
an  increase  of  twenty-two,  with  Sunday-schools  re- 
cently established  in  each  place.  Dallas,  a  mem- 
bership of  sixty-six,  and  a  good  school,  still  under 
Bro.  Darby's  care,  who  has  also  taken  charge  of 
Bloxburgh,  a  place  two  and  one-half  miles  distant, 
where  he  preaches,  and  teaches  a  Sunday-school. 
These,  with  four  other  stations,  make  a  present  total 
membership  in  the  Island  of  700. 


HISTORY   OF   THE   C.  W.  B.  M.  258 

We  were  mucli  gratified  by  the  reception  of  a  re- 
port from  School  Inspector  J.  A.  James,  who  ex- 
amined Miss  Perkins'  school,  September  28th.  He 
sj^eaks  in  high  terms  of  her  ability  as  a  teacher  and 
jiredicts  a  good  future  for  her  school,  as  she  learns 
more  of  the  material  with  which  she  has  to  work. 
He  gave  her  a  grant  of  $121.50. 

Up  to  present  date  we  have  never  been  able  to 
gain  an  exact  statement  of  the  numerical  strength 
of  the  Christian  Woman's  Board  of  Missions.  From 
the  report  of  the  Secretary,  just  made  at  our  recent 
convention,  we  gather  that  in  the  fifteen  States  re- 
porting, there  are  230  auxiliaries,  besides  an  un- 
known number  of  individual  contributors.  Among 
them  there  is  one,  well  deserving  of  special  mention, 
Master  Ely  Bronson,  a  lad  living  near  Indianapolis, 
who  has  year  after  year  sent  to  us,  at  our  Annual 
Convention,  an  ofiering  of  his  own  earnings,  accom- 
panied by  a  little  letter,  written  in  the  charming 
stjde  and  spirit  of  childhood.  The  first  time  his 
little  pile  of  coppers  made,  one  dollar,  or  one  dollar 
and  a  quarter.  Year  after  year  it  has  increased 
until  on  October  19, 1881,  he  came  before  us  and 
read  his  own  little  message,  and  laid  down  $5.75, 
pledging  himself  to  do  more  the  next  year.  Is 
there  anywhere  in  all  this  land,  another  boy  or  girl 
who  would  like  to  come  and  do  likewise  ? 

The  Endowment  Fund,  made  up  of  life  member- 
ships, donations  and  bequests,  was  handsomely  in- 
creased by  a  legacy  of  fifteen  hundred  dollars,  left 
us  by  Miss  Emma  Campbell,  of  Jacksonville,  Illinois, 


254  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

who  died  in  tlie  autumn  of  1880.  This  fund  now 
amounts  to  $3,425.00,  of  which  $3,300  is  invested  in 
loans,  bearing  seven  per  cent  interest.  The  five 
years  in  which,  according  to  the  condition  of  the 
creating  of  this  fund,  we  could  not  use  the  interest, 
being  about  to  expire  on  January  1,  1882,  we  shall 
from  that  time  appropriate  the  interest  to  the  estab- 
lishment of  missions  in  a  heathen  land,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  assurances  that  have  been  given  to 
many  who  have  taken  life  membership.  In  view  of 
the  fact  that  all  of  our  appropriation  for  the  French 
Mission,  made  last  year,  has  not  yet  been  expended 
by  the  F.  C.  M.  Society,  through  whose  hands  we 
gave  it,  we  have  not  voted  anything  further  for  this 
year.  We  hold  ourselves  ready,  however,  to  lend  a 
helping  hand  again,  when  the  way  is  opened  to  us. 
There  is  a  very  strong  desire  upon  the  part  of 
many  to  begin  at  once  a  systematic,  well-planned 
work  in  some  of  the  Western  States,  sending  one  or 
more  Evangelists  out  and  keeping  them  there  until 
churches  are  established  all  over  some  chosen  dis- 
trict and  have  grown  into  the  strength  of  self-sup- 
port. Our  president  most  earnestly  recommended 
and  urged  this  upon  us  in  her  remarks  at  the  late 
convention.  As  seen  above  we  cannot  have  the 
interest  upon  the  Endowment  Fund,  as  she  desired, 
for  this  purpose,  but  we  can  have  and  we  can  increase 
the  present  surplus  over  our  yearly  expenditures, 
which  we  devotedly  trust  may  be  made  large  enough 
in  a  few  months,  to  carry  out  her  purpose.  Special 
contributions  immediately  will  be  gladly  received. 


HI8T0EY  OV  THE  a  W.  B.  M.  255 

The  above  little  account  brings  up  the  outline  of 
the  history  of  the  C.  W.  B.  M.  to  November  1,  1881. 
For  future  plans  and  prospects,  or  "the  what  we 
are  going  to  do,"  we  refer  to  the  minutes  of  the  last 
convention. 

Another  year  has  passed,  and  we  now  append, 
briefly,  the  record  made  by  the  C.  W.  B.  M.  while  it 
was  passing. 

In  February,  1882,  Bro.  Wm.  K.  Azbill,  went  to 
Jamaica  as  Bro.  Tomlinson's  successor,  taking  his 
wife  and  two  little  children.  The  year  opened  with 
the  understanding  that  a  still  more  liberal  policy 
and  larger  scale  of  expense  was  to  be  adopted.  So 
anxious  were  we  to  see  great  results  in  this  field, 
which  is  our  first  chosen,  and  which,  indeed,  we  re- 
ceived as  a  legacy  from  our  fathers,  that  we  decided 
to  remove  the  limitations  formerly  placed  upon  the 
annual  sums  to  be  spent  there,  and  to  use  every 
means  within  our  power  to  accomplish  their  utmost 
desires  and  ours  in  the  firm  establishment  of  the 
gospel  truth  in  this  island.  The  plans  of  operation 
were  somewhat  changed  or  enlarged.  Bro.  Azbill 
took  a  good  house  in  a  good  location  and  invited 
acquaintance  and  social  intercourse  with  ministers 
and  other  public  men.  He  secured  the  use  of  a 
commodious  town  hall  for  evening  meetings,  and 
finally,  for  Sundays  also.  Under  instructions  from 
the  Board,  he  made  a  final  settlement  of  the  debt  to 
Bro.  Murray,  and  received  a  deed  to  the  C  W.  B. 
M.  absolutely,  of  the  old  Chapel  property,  known  as 


256  CHRISTIAN  MISSIOJNTS. 

48  Cliui'cli  Street.  Miss  Perkins  having  previously 
resigned,  came  liome  immediately  after  Bro.  Azbill's 
arrival  in  Kingston.  The  school  being  thus  sus- 
pended, it  was  thought  best  to  w^ait  its  resumption 
until  it  could  be  effected  upon  a  broader  and  more 
permanent  basis.  A  noticeable  event  of  the  year  is 
a  well  marked  movement  in  the  direction  of  union 
between  the  Jamaica  Baptists  and  our  people  upon 
New  Testament  grounds.  Bro.  Azbill  soon  observed 
that,  except  the  name,  very  little  actual  difference 
between  us  existed.  He  traveled  over  the  Island 
preaching  in  Baptist  pulpits,  and  conferring  with 
their  most  prominent  ministers,  laying  the  matter 
before  them.  Much  surprise  and  deep  interest  were 
shown  in  finding  how  near  we  stood  to  each  other, 
and  the  proposal  to  drop  the  unnecessary  name  that 
separates  us,  was  joyfully  acceded  to  by  several  of 
the  oldest  and  best  ministers  with  the  congrega- 
tions in  their  charge.  A  purchase  has  been  made 
of  an  eligible  lot  in  the  best  part  of  the  city,  upon 
which  we  propose  to  build  a  new  house  of  worship. 
A  Building  Fund  has  been  created  for  this,  and  for 
the  improvement  of  and  keeping  in  repair  of  other 
church  properties.  This  fund  now  amounts  to 
twenty- five  hiindred  dollars.  There  is  a  small  unfin- 
ished chapel  upon  this  new  lot  which  is  now  being 
completed  for  school  purposes.  The  country  churches 
have  been  differently  grouped  and  re-allotted  to  the 
care  of  Brethren  Tilley,  Craddock,  and  others.  We 
had  hoped  that  Bro.  Tilley  would  be  able  to  leave 
his  work  to  spend  two  or  three  years  in  Kentucky 


HISTORY   OF  THE   C.  ^Y.  B.  M.  257 

University,  in  order  to  prepare  himself  better  for  it, 
by  study,  and  by  association  with  other  brethren, 
but  he  has  been  compelled  to  postpone  this  change 
for  the  present. 

One  other  important  step  has  been  taken  —  im- 
portant not  only  to  us,  but  to  all  of  the  missionary 
interests  of  the  church  —  one  that  marks  a  gratifying 
progress  of  sentiment  upon  this  subject.  For  the 
first  time  in  our  history,  (unless  we  except  Dr.  Bar- 
clay's mission  to  Jerusalem)  our  missionaries  have 
gone  out  to  heathen  lands.  In  September  last  Bro. 
Albert  Norton,  and  Bro.  G.  L,  Wharton  and  their 
wives,  accompanied  by  four  young  ladies,  Miss 
Mary  Greybiel,  Miss  Ada  Boyd,  Miss  Laura  Kinsey 
and  Miss  Mary  Kingsbury,  sailed  for  India.  These 
last  go  under  the  auspices  of  the  C.  W,  B.  M,  A 
full  account  of  this  event  is  given  in  the  words  of  the 
Recording  Secretary,  at  Island  Park,  last  summer : 

"From  the  first  organization  of  the  Christian 
Woman's  Board  of  Missions,  there  has  been  a  strong 
desire  to  establish  a  mission  among  the  heathen.  As 
this  is  a  woman's  society,  some  field  was  wanted 
where  women  especially,  could  be  benefitted  and 
blessed  by  their  efibrts.  It  was  not  thought  possi- 
ble in  the  beginning,  to  take  up  this  work  so  near  the 
hearts  of  many  of  our  most  earnest  workers,  and 
another  was  chosen,  all  cheerfully  giving  aid,  mth 
what  success  you  have  heard ;  yet,  whilst  working 
faithfully  for  this,  they  have  not  ceased  to  watch 
and  pray  for  the  time  to  come  when  the  means  and 
the  men  and  the  women,  would  be  found  to  start  this 

17 


258  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

other.  At  each  convention  the  question  has  "been 
asked,  'What  progress  have  you  made  towards  the 
beginning  of  a  heathen  mission ;  are  we  not  ready  to 
make  a  start  ? '  And  each  time  the  answer  came,  'not 
yet.'  The  report  of  our  Treasurer  last  October, 
showed  that  we  would  have  a  small  surplus  to  add  to 
the  interest  on  the  Endowment  Fund,  which  interest 
could  be  used  after  the  first  of  January.  Our  com- 
mittee on  Extension  of  Work,  after  due  consideration, 
recommended  that  the  C.  W.  B.  M.  propose  to  the 
Foreign  Society,  that  the  two  unite  in  establishing  a 
mission  in  Japan,  India,  Turkey,  or  any  other  foreign 
field,  agreed  upon  by  a  joint  committee  of  the  two 
societies,  the  Foreign  Board  supplying  a  minister 
and  his  wife,  the  C.  W.  B.  M.,  two  women  as  Bible 
readers  and  colporteurs.  This  recommendation  was 
discussed  and  adopted  October  25,  1881.  At  the 
same  meeting  the  interest  on  the  Endowment  Fund 
was  set  aside  by  resolution,  to  be  used  only  toward 
supporting  a  Heathen  Mission.  Eleven  States  were 
represented — the  largest  representation  at  any  meet- 
ing since  our  organization.  Although  the  wish  was 
almost  unanimous  to  begin  the  work,  yet  it  was  not 
thought  possible  for  at  least  one  year,  for  had  we  the 
money,  where  were  the  men  and  women  to  be  found 
who  were  willing  to  undertake  a  work  in  so  distant 
a  land  having  no  knowledge  of  the  language,  and  but 
little  of  the  manners  and  customs  of  the  people.  The 
proposition  was  accepted  by  the  Foreign  Society  and 
a  joint  committee  was  appointed  to  decide  upon  a 
field.    Japan  was  first  considered  favorably.    About 


HISTORY   OF   THE   0.  W.  B.  M.  259 

tMs  time  Albert  Norton  came  over  to  us  offering 
himself  and  wife  for  this  work.  The  Foreign  Society 
decided  to  send  them  in  September,  provided  money 
enough  could  be  raised.  In  June  the  Executive 
Committee  of  the  C.  W.  B.  M.  was  called  to  confer 
with  Bro.  Norton  in  reference  to  sending  two  women, 
in  accordance  with  the  resolution  passed  at  the  Octo- 
ber Convention.  Bro.  Norton  urged  that  we  send  as 
many  as  could  be  induced  to  goon  the  "Faith" 
principle,  provided  money  enough  could  be  raised  to 
pay  their  expenses  out.  This  was  strongly  opposed 
by  the  most  of  the  members  of  the  Board.  It  was  fin- 
ally decided  to  send  the  two,  and  if  the  liberality  of 
the  sisterhood  would  allow,  to  send  out  others  at  the 
same  time.  This  was  made  public  and  immediately 
letters  were  received  from  a  number  of  sisters  who 
were  willing  to  undertake  the  work  in  this  part  of 
the  Lord's  vineyard,  in  all,  some  eight  or  ten.  Thus 
we  found  that  the  laborers  were  not  wanting,  but 
were  only  waiting  for  some  one  to  say,  'Go ;  work !' 
Miss  Greybiel  and  Miss  Boyd  were  selected. 

In  April  a  committtee  was  appointed  to  draw  up 
Articles  of  contract  with  those  sent  out  to  this  mis- 
sion. They  were  submitted  at  the  May  meeting  and 
adopted.     They  were  as  follows  : 

RULES  OF  THE  C.  W.  B.  M.  FOR  THE  INDIA  MISSION. 

1.  The  age  of  a  candidate  must  not  be  less  than 
twenty -two  years. 


260  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

2.  Every  missionary  employed  by  this  Board 
will  be  required  to  give  at  least  five  years  continued 
service  to  this  v^ork. 

3.  Should  one  employed  and  sent  to  the  field,  for 
any  reason  (sickness  excepted)  withdraw  from  the 
work  before  the  expiration  of  that  time,  she  will  be 
expected  to  refund  all  money  paid  for  her  traveling 
expenses. 

4.  In  case  a  missionary  be  obliged  to  relinquish 
her  work  on  account  of  ill  health,  the  Board  may, 
basing  their  decision  upon  the  j  iidgment  of  her  phy- 
sician and  other  reliable  sources  of  information,  pay 
the  expenses  of  her  return  home. 

5.  They  will  be  required  to  furnish  quarterly  re- 
ports to  the  Board,  in  which  will  be  included  all 
items  of  interest  and  incidents  suitable  for  publica- 
tion in  our  religious  papers. 

6.  They  shall  credit  to  the  Board  all  donations  of 
money  received  for  the  support  of  their  work  and 
report  the  same  with  their  financial  statements. 

7.  This  Board  agrees  to  pay  the  expenses  of  its 
missionaries  from  their  homes  to  the  place  of  destin- 
ation, salary  to  begin  from  date  of  arrival  in  the 
mission  field,  and  to  give  each  one  on  starting  $50 
for  incidedtal  expense  of  the  journey.  No  appropri- 
ation for  outfit  will  be  made. 

8.  A  copy  of  these  requirements  shall  be  sent  to 
each  applicant  for  missionary  work.  On  accepting 
a  position  she  thereby  signifies  her  willingness  to 
comply  with  the  foregoing  rules. 


HISTORY   OF  THE   0.  W.  B.  M.  261 

Bro.  Norton  was  iDresent  at  this  meeting  and  in 
Ms  anxiety  to  have  as  many  workers  in  the  field  as 
possible,  asked  that  action  "be  taken  upon  the  fol- 
lowing : 

Resolved,  That  we  will  allow  to  go  out  to  India, 
under  the  auspices  of  the  C.  W.  B.  M.,  as  many 
ladies  as  offer  to  go  without  stipulated  salary  from 
our  Board,  provided  these  ladies  in  the  judgment  of 
the  members  of  our  Board,  are  qualified  for  the 
work,  and  that  there  is  money  to  pay  their  passage 
to  the  field  of  labor. 

This  evoked  farther  discussion,  as  this  Board  had, 
at  the  meeting  in  February,  passed  a  resolution, 
That,  we  send  out  two  women  to  India  in  September 
as  teachers  and  Bible  readers,  paying  them  a  stipu- 
lated salary. 

(This  resolution  was  not  unanimous,  but  passed 
by  a  majority.) 

After  discussion  the  following  resolution  was 
offered : 

Resol'oed,  That  all  former  actions  of  the  Board, 
that  conflict  with  sending  workers  to  India  on  the 
faith  principle,  be  herewith  rescinded. 

And  was  finally  passed ;  whereupon  the  resolution 
offered  by  Brother  Norton  was  taken  up,  and  after 
amending  was  passed  as  follows : 

Resolved,  That  we  send  four  ladies  to  India,  pro  • 
vided  they  are  willing  to  go  without  stipulated 
salary,  and  there  is  money  enough  to  pay  their  pas- 
sage to  the  mission  field. 


262  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

Having  decided  to  send  two  more,  after  further 
correspondence,  Miss  Laui'a  Kinsey  of  Indiana,  and 
Miss  Mary  Kingsbury  of  Illinois  were  cliosen. 

These  sisters  offer  themselves  for  this  work  with- 
out a  salary.  They  go  out  on  the  Faith  principle, 
knowing  in  whom  they  put  their  trust  and  heliemng^ 
they  trust,  not  in  vain,  having  faith  that  God  will 
raise  up  friends  for  this  mission,  who  will  help  sus- 
tain -them  in  the  glorious  work  they  are  willing  to 
undertake.  Believing  also  in  his  promise,  "Lo!  I 
am  with  you  always."  In  all  heathen  countries 
there  is  a  work  that  only  women  can  do.  Miss 
Jennie  Willing,  speaking  of  the  origin  of  the  Wo- 
man's Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Methodist 
Church  says : 

"The  home  is  the  Sevastopol  of  civilization.  The 
homes  of  heathendom  must  be  captured  for  Christ 
before  any  change  for  the  better  can  be  complete  or 
permanent. 

This  stronghold  can  be  taken  only  by  Christian 
women.  Homes  are  made  by  women  as  certainly  in 
Hindustan  as  in  America.  Heathen  women  must  be 
evangelized  before  the  homes  can  be  improved. 
Pagan  women  are  slaves,  so  hedged  in  by  jealousy 
and  caste  that  they  may  not  be  taught  by  Christian 
men.  If  the  men  of  the  church  were  sent  to  heathen 
countries  by  the  regiment,  they  could  not  give  the 
women  direct  religious  instructions.  That  work 
must  be  done  by  women. 

The  wives  of  missionaries  are  among  the  noblest 
and  most  self-sacrificing  of  Christian  workers,  yet 


HISTORY   OF  THE   C.  W.  B.  M.  263 

their  hands  are  full  of  the  care  of  their  own  chil- 
di'en.  The  heart  of  the  married  missionary  lady 
may  he  as  full  of  zeal  as  was  that  of  St.  Paul,  yet 
her  duty  to  those  whom  God  gives  her  in  the  home 
must  greatly  hinder  her  efforts  for  the  conversion  of 
heathen  women.  She  has  converted  or  unconverted 
pagan  servants  to  whose  care  she  may  not  leave  her 
little  ones.  She  cannot  go  from  house  to  house  to 
teach  the  imprisoned  women,  nor  from  town  to  town 
to  superintend  Bible  women  and  day-school  teachers ; 
neither  can  she  take  charge  of  an  orphanage  or 
boarding-school.  She  may  do  some  of  this  work 
for  a  while,  but  her  duties  to  herseK  and  her  children 
demand  that  she  lay  these  burdens  upon  single  wo- 
men who  are  sent  out  and  supported  for  this  service. 
If  all  teaching  of  women  and  girls,  even  in  America, 
had  to  be  done  by  young  mothers,  what  chance 
would  ninety-nine  in  a  hundred  have  to  know  any- 
thing about  books  or  religion  ?  Yet  that  would  be  a 
much  better  opportunity  than  the  millions  of  pagan 
women  can  have,  unless  young  women  are  sent  to 
teach  them — women  whose  one  care  is  this  work. 

Political  and  civil  changes,  the  fall  of  the  East 
India  Company,  inimical  as  it  was  to  missionaries, 
the  increasing  power  of  Great  Britain  over  her 
Asiatic  dependencies,  and  international  treaties, 
have  made  it  possible  and  safe  for  single  women  to 
go  about  unattended  in  heathen  cities. 

Colleges  and  universities  have  been  opened  to 
women,  and  knowledge  is  always  power.  Two- 
thirds  of  the  church  are  women.     This  gives  them 


204  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

the  prepondereuce  of  moral  energy.  In  home-making 
their  attention  is  held  to  minute  details,  so  they  are 
specially  fitted  for  the  gathering  up  of  small  sums 
that  make  the  immense  amounts,  and  the  invest- 
ment of  each  dollar  with  the  least  possible  waste. 
Kot  being  eligible  to  office,  they  are  not  so  liable 
to  selfishness  and  ambition  as  others  may  be,  God 
trusts  them  with  the  best  work  he  places  in  this 
world  at  all — the  care  of  the  little  children.  Their 
sensibilities  are  kept  sweet  and  tender  beside  cradles 
and  death-beds.  These  facts  led  the  wisdom  of  the 
church  to  organize  the  Woman's  Foreign  Mission 
Society." 

The  work  so  earnestly  recommended  by  the  presi- 
dent a  year  ago,  and  which  really  lies  nearest  the 
hearts  of  many,  has  not  yet  taken  shape.  A  cor- 
respondence with  different  points  in  the  West  re- 
sulted in  a  decision  made  last  September  upon 
Montana  as  the  first  place  to  which  to  send  an  Evan- 
gelist. We  have  not  been  idle,  but  the  matter  was 
delayed  until  we  should  meet  some  of  the  brethren 
from  there  at  the  October  Convention.  None  were 
present.  They  have  pledged  one  thousand  dollars 
per  year,  and  we  have  another  thousand  to  give ;  but 
many  difficulties  have  risen  in  the  way  of  a  comple- 
tion of  the  arrangement.  We  are  unwilling,  however, 
to  delay  much  longer,  and  a  selection  will  probably 
be  made  very  soon. 

The  general  outlook  for  the  extension  of  auxil- 
iaries, growth  of  interest  and  an  increase  of  contri- 
butions is  good,  as  shown  by  the  reports  made  at 


HISTORY   OF   THE   C.  W.  B.  M.  265 

Lexington.  Total  receipts  for  the  year,  were  between 
nine  and  ten  thousand  dollars.  The  Endowment 
Fund  has  reached  the  sum  of  three  thousand  five 
hundred  dollars,  and  the  number  of  auxiliaries  is 
now  four  hundred  or  upwards.  And  best  of  all, 
with  a  wakening  interest  in  places  where  opposition 
has  before  been  shown,  and  an  increase  of  it  among 
those  who  have  been  favorably  disposed,  there 
has  been  a  coming  hack  of  thought,  to  the  great  in- 
spiring object  of  all  this  effort,  and  a  clearly  ex- 
pressed determination  to  keep  always  before  us  the 
spiritual  side ;  or  in  other  words  to  "  pray  always  " 
and  so  keep  our  hearts  fixed  upon  God,  and  our 
cause  very  near  to  Him. 

In  1883  the  report  of  the  Board  was  full  of  large 
work  done  and  larger  work  planned.  Of  the  work 
of  the  auxiliary  societies,  Mrs.  S.  E.  Shortridge,  the 
Corresponding  Secretary  reported  as  follows : 

"  The  condition  of  the  auxiliary  work  is  particu- 
larly gratifying.  In  most  of  the  States  where  aux- 
iliaries already  existed,  new  ones  have  been 
organized  during  the  year.  And  equally  encoiu^ag- 
ing  is  the  feeling  of  permanence  or  stability  that  is 
being  developed  among  the  older  societies.  They 
have  jDassed  the  critical  period  in  existence,  and  now 
feel  that  missionary  work  is  an  essential  part  of  a 
Christian  life.  This  influence  is  being  felt  through- 
out our  chui'ches.  The  organization  of  a  missionary 
society  is  no  longer  looked  upon  as  an  experiment, 
something  to  be  carried  on  or  abandoned  at  pleasure, 
but  an  obligation  to  be  met,  a  duty  to  be  faithfully 


266  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

performed.  Strange  as  it  may  seem,  we  still  have  a 
strong  opposition  to  contend  with  in  some  localities, 
but  prejudice  in  regard  to  missionary  organizations 
and  woman's  work  is  fast  passing  away,  and  will 
soon  be  numbered  with  things  of  the  past.  Another 
hindrance  quite  as  formidable,  and  far  more  dis- 
heartening, is  the  indifference  manifested  by  many 
of  our  sisters  to  the  work,  that  seems  so  important 
and  so  dear  to  every  one  who  enters  heartily  into  it. 
If,  by  chance,  some  of  these  sisters  are  induced  to 
become  members  of  our  auxiliary  societies,  at  every 
meeting  they  must  be  interested  and  entertained 
with  something  new,  or  they  cease  to  favor  us  with 
their  presence.  But  even  this  need  not  discourage 
us  too  much.  Ministers  will  tell  you  that  every  con- 
gregation numbers  among  its  members  Christian 
men  and  women  who  must  be  entertained  with  elo- 
quent sermons  and  fine  music,  or  whose  places  in 
the  Lord's  house  will  soon  be  vacant." 

During  the  year  the  society  established  a  monthly 
paper.  The  Missionary  Tidings,  devoted  to  the  in- 
terests of  the  society  and  its  missions. 

In  reference  to  the  missions  of  the  Board,  Mrs. 
Shortridge  says : 

"Yery  naturally  our  thoughts  turn  at  once  to  Ja- 
maica, the  first  work  distinctively  our  own.  Like 
the  eldest  born  in  the  family  circle,  the  Jamaica  Mis- 
sion holds  a  place  in  our  hearts  that  no  other,  how- 
ever dear,  can  fill.  Bro.  Azbill's  annual  report,  to 
be  read  this  evening,  is  so  complete  that  we  need  not 
enter  into  details.  All  who  are  interested  in  the  work 


HISTOEY   OF  THE   0.  W.  B.  M.  267 

in  that  island  will  do  well  to  hear  this  report,  as  the 
condition  of  affairs  and  the  needs  of  the  field  are 
fully  set  forth.  A  year  ago  the  Board  adopted  a 
more  liberal  policy  in  regard  to  Jamaica ;  the  grand- 
est of  our  missions  demanded  more  workers  and 
additional  facilities.  The  experience  of  the  year 
has  shown  the  wisdom  of  this  policy.  Our  work 
there  would  have  been  almost  hopelessly  embar- 
rassed had  we  done  otherwise.  One  of  the  chief 
objects  that  has  occupied  the  time  and  attention  of 
Bro.  Azbill  during  the  year  has  been  plans  for  the 
permanent  establishment  of  our  work  in  Jamaica. 
The  Board  fully  agrees  with  him,  that  this  end 
should  be  kept  steadily  in  view.  This  can  be  done 
in  but  one  way — by  helping  our  people  in  a  liberal 
manner  for  a  few  years;  or,  in  other  words,  by 
profiting  by  the  example  of  our  religious  neighbors 
in  that  island.  A  minister  is  first  sent  to  convert 
the  people ;  a  chapel  provided  for  worship ;  a  mis- 
sion house  built  for  the  missionary,  and  a  school 
established  for  the  instruction  of  the  children. 
Many  years  of  experience  have  shown  them  that 
these  things  are  essential  to  the  permanent  establish- 
ment of  their  work.  The  need  of  schools  at  our 
station  is  the  same  story  that  comes  from  every  mis- 
sion field ;  that,  after  all,  the  most  lasting  and  thor- 
ough missionary  work  has  to  be  done  by  educating 
the  rising  generation.  One  American  teacher  has 
been  sent  to  Jamaica  this  year,  Miss  Sallie  McEwan, 
a  graduate  of  the  Midway  (Ky.)  Orphan  School. 
Since  March  Miss  McEwan  has  been  teaching  most 


268  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

acceptably  at  Providence,  twenty  miles  from  Kings- 
ton, to  lessen  the  burden  of  work  that  was  pressing 
upon  Bro.  Azbill,  who  had  the  two  churches  in  Kings- 
ton, several  country  stations,  and  the  general  over- 
sight of  the  whole  field  upon  his  hands,  and  a  helper 
was  sent  him  in  April.  Through  the  kindness  of 
Bros.  Shaw  and  McGarvey  our  attention  was  di- 
rected to  Bro.  W.  T.  Houschin,  of  Augusta,  Ky., 
who  after  a  few  weeks  of  correspondence,  consented 
to  go  upon  this  mission.  Bro.  H.  is  a  graduate  of 
Lexington  Bible  College.  A  young  man  of  great 
promise;  he  has  been  a  most  efficient  helper  to  Bro. 
Azbill  in  his  work  in  Kingston  and  other  places. 
More  preachers  and  teachers  are  still  needed  to  prop- 
erly instruct  the  people  under  our  care  in  Jamaica, 
but  the  most  pressing  need  at  this  time  is  the  need 
of  suitable  places  of  worship.  Bro.  Tilley  vrrites  in  a 
late  letter  as  follows  :  'Our  great  need  here  is  for 
chapels  or  school-houses  for  our  people  to  meet  and 
worship  in.  Large  congregations  come  to  us  to  hear 
the  word  of  life  and  go  away  complaining  that  no 
room,  seat  or  shelter  was  to  be  found. 

Of  the  five  congregations  under  my  care,  but  one 
is  provided  with  a  suitable  chapel,  that  is  Oberlin, 
and  that  has  lately  been  repaired  by  Bro.  Azbill.  At 
Chesterfield  we  have  a  small  shingled  house,  only 
large  enough  to  accommodate  two-thirds  of  the  con- 
gregation with  seats.  One-third  must  either  go  home 
disappointed,  without  participating  in  the  worship, 
or  else  stand  outside  in  the  rain  or  the  sun,  as  the 
case  may  be.     At  Mamby  Vale  we  have  a  small 


HISTORY    OF   TFIE    C.  W.  B.  M.  269 

house  without  floor  or  window,  and  this  is  the  best 
accommodation  we  have  for  an  average  congregation 
of  eighty.  At  Mining  Hill  we  have  a  small  store-house 
only  half  large  enough  to  accommodate  the  people.' 
This  is  not  true  of  Bro.  Tilley's  district  only,  but  of 
the  whole  Island.  He  also  says  :  '  Our  religious 
neighbors  never  fail  to  furnish  comfortable  chapels 
for  their  congregation,  for  they  have  learned  by  ex- 
perience that  there  is  no  better  way  of  securing  their 
people  than  by  furnishing  them  comfortable  places 
of  worship.' 

I  sometimes  wonder  how  many  people  in  this 
Christian  land  would  obey  the  command  to  meet 
upon  the  first  day  of  the  Aveek  under  like  circum- 
stances, with  the  prospect  of  not  being  able  to  take 
part  in  the  services,  or  of  standing  without  in  the 
sun  or  rain.  These  people  are  poor,  but  they  give 
liberally  of  their  slender  means.  They  are  not  able 
to  provide  themselves  with  a  chapel,  but  they  are 
eager  and  willing  to  do  what  they  can  by  working 
upon  the  house.  A  great  responsibility  rests  upon 
us,  my  sisters,  while  this  state  of  affairs  continnes. 

"VVo  have  sent  missionaries  there  to  preach  the 
Word ;  these  are  their  converts,  our  brethren,  poor, 
lowly  and  ignorant,  it  is  true,  but  whose  souls  are 
precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord ;  they  must  be  sup- 
plied with  the  Bread  of  Life,  or  they  die.  Have  we 
no  responsibility  in  the  matter?  Shall  we  not  out 
of  our  abundunce  furnish  them  with  comfortable 
chuich  houses  ?  Then  their  contributions  can  go  to 
the  support  of  their  ministers,  and  each  year  less 


270  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

help  be  needed  from  us.  When  this  is  accomplished, 
we  will  be  upon  the  high  road  to  a  permanent 
establishment  of  our  cause  and  self-supporting  con- 
gregations. 

Bro.  Azbill  has  submitted  his  plans  and  methods 
of  work  to  the  Board  in  semi-monthly  letters  during 
the  entire  year.  His  plans  have  been  approved,  and 
the  desire  expressed  to  carry  them  out  as  far  as 
possible.  From  a  private  letter  lately  received  from 
Bro.  W.  H.  Williams,  our  first  missionary  to  Jamaica, 
and  who  is  spending  a  short  time  in  that  island  we 
quote  the  following : 

"Bro.  Azbill's  work  here  is  a  marvel  of  wisdom  and 
success.  If  present  prospects  are  realized,  present 
plans  carried  out,  and  present  indications  ripen,  his 
record  here  will  be  to  his  honor  and  to  the  perman- 
ent establishment  of  primitive  Christianity  in  this 
quarter  of  the  world.  The  ability  to  move  forward 
rapidly  is  due  largely  to  the  liberal  policy  of  the 
Board,  and  as  far  as  I  can  see  the  best  use  of  the 
means  has  been  made." 

Concerning  the  work  of  the  Board  in  India  the  re- 
port says : 

"A  year  ago,  when  we  met  at  our  annual  meeting, 
four  young  sisters,  in  company  with  other  mission- 
aries, were  on  their  way  to  India.  Through  the 
goodness  of  our  Heavenly  Father  they  were  pre- 
served through  their  perilous  journey,  and  brought 
safely  to  their  destination.  They  have  endured  the 
change  of  climate,  diet  and  habits  of  life  quite  as 
well  as  we  could  have  expected ;  no  serious  sickness 


HISTORY   OF  THE   0.  W.  B.  M.  271 

has  prostrated  them.  Their  first  stopping  place,  as 
you  remember,  was  at  EUichpoor ;  "but  after  a  short 
residence  there,  in  company  with  Bro.  and  Sister 
Wharton,  they  removed  to  Hnrda,  in  Central  India, 
a  healthier  place  of  residence  and  a  more  promising 
field  of  labor.  Since  these  dear  girls  left  New  York 
they  have  written  once  each  month  to  the  Board. 
Their  letters  are  cheerful  and  hopeful;  although 
they  have  met  with  severe  trials  of  faith  and  patience, 
they  still  rejoice  that  they  have  made  this  work  their 
choice. 

They  are  busily  engaged  in  learning  the  language. 
Fortunately,  they  have  secured  a  native  Christian 
teacher,  under  whose  eare  they  are  making  rapid 
progress.  They  have  nothing  in  the  way  of  reports 
to  make  yet,  but  they  are  anxious  to  be  about  their 
Master's  business,  and  as  rapidly  as  they  are  able 
to  translate  English  words  into  the  native  tongue 
they  teach  the  servants  and  their  children.  When 
our  missionaries  are  able  to  open  school,  aid  will  be 
needed  for  this  mission.  At  present  the  one  thing 
desired,  and  which  has  been  decided  upon  by  the 
Executive  Committee,  is  the  sending  of  a  medical 
woman  to  join  this  little  band  at  Hurda.  Just  how 
soon  this  will  be  done,  will  depend  upon  the  liber- 
ality of  the  contributions  for  this  purpose  and  the 
selection  of  a  suitable  person  to  go.  This  will 
doubtless  meet  the  approval  of  every  one  who  feels 
an  interest  in  helping  to  dispel  the  clouds  of  ignor- 
ance and  superstition  that  lower  over  the  women  of 
that  heathen  land. 


^72  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

These  dear  girls  in  India  are  sowing  precious 
seed  that  will  sj^ring  up  and  bear  fruit  for  God,  in 
good  time.  But  we  cannot  realize  the  sacrifice  they 
are  making  to  do  it.  Let  us  do  all  we  can  to  lighten 
the  burden  by  sending  them  liberal  contributions 
and  words  of  sympathy  and  approval." 

The  Board  also  report  the  establishment  of  a  mis- 
sion in  the  western  part  of  the  United  States  and 
speak  of  that  work  in  the  following  hopeful  way : 

"  The  establishment  of  a  mission  in  the  West  has 
engaged  much  of  the  time  and  attention  of  the  Ex- 
ecutive Committee  during  the  year.  Having  selected 
Montana  as  a  place  of  beginning,  a  suitable  person 
to  take  charge  of  affairs  was  sought  for.  At  the 
urgent  request  of  the  Board,  early  in  June,  Bro.  J. 
Z.  Taylor,  of  Kansas  City,  Mo.,  was  induced  to  go 
and  remain  four  months  in  Montana,  preaching  for 
the  churches  at  Helena  and  Deer  Lodge.  He  was 
also  requested  to  report  to  us  the  condition  of  the 
churches,  the  need,  the  field  and  the  character  of  the 
work  to  be  done. 

This  Bro.  Taylor  has  accomplished  to  the  entire 
satisfaction  of  all  concerned.  In  accordance  with 
his  recommendation,  two  preachers  have  been  sent 
to  that  territory,  instead  of  one  as  at  first  agreed 
upon.  We  have  but  two  congregations  in  Montana — 
one  at  Helena,  and  one  at  Deer  Lodge,  both  small 
and  weak,  neither  one  having  a  house  of  worship, 
but  meeting  in  public  halls.  Bro.  Taj^lor  advises 
that  these  two  churches  be  strengthened  first,  then 
others  taken  up  and  helped  in  the  same  way,  an 


HISTORY   OF   THE   C.  W.  B.  M.  273 

Evangelist  to  be  sent  to  gather  our  scattered  people 
into  congregations.  To  this  end  men  of  experience 
and  ability  were  needed.  We  are  happy  to  report 
to  yon  our  success  in  this  undertaking.  Bro.  M.  L. 
Streator,  of  Ravenna,  O.,  consented  to  go  to  Helena, 
and  Bro.  Galen  Wood,  of  Aurora,  O.,  to  Deer  Lodge. 
They  started  about  October  10,  and  are  now  in  their 
new  home.  Both  Bro.  Streator  and  Bro.  Wood  are 
well  known  to  many  of  our  people  as  upright,  godly 
Christian  men  who  are  in  every  way  entitled  to  our 
confidence  and  esteem.  We  expect  to  hear  good 
reports  from  them  in  the  future,  but  it  will  be  no 
easy  task  to  establish  our  plea  in  a  field  so  fully 
occupied,  especially  by  infidelity  and  skepticism; 
it  will  be  a  work  of  years.  Bro  Taylor  says  :  '  The 
profound  indifference  of  the  masses  must  first  be 
overcome,  for  the  people  here  are  not  hungering  and 
thirsting  after  righteousness.'  Under  these  circum- 
stances rapid  progress  can  be  made.  Let  us  continue 
patiently  in  well  doing,  assuring  these  brethren  of 
our  interest  in  the  work,  and  our  sympathy  in  the 
trials  they  are  called  upon  to  meet. 

The  report  for  1883  closes  with  this  fervent  appeal 
to  Christian  women : 

Thus  briefly  and  imperfectly  the  principal  events 
of  the  year  have  been  noted.  The  record  of  the  past 
year  with  its  encouragements  and  successes,  its  mis- 
takes and  failures,  has  been  closed.  Let  the  new 
year  be  one  of  greater  consecration  to  the  Lord's 
work.    Much  has  been  done  in  the  past  —  more  can 

18 


274  CHEISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

be  done  in  the  future.  One  error  to  be  guarded 
against  is  our  willingness  to  believe  that  we  are  do- 
ing all  we  can  for  this  work.  In  many  cases  this  is 
doubtless  true;  but,  my  dear  sisters,  although  we  may 
bring  rich  gifts  of  gold  and  silver  in  our  hands,  give 
time  and  talent,  we  are  not  doing  all  we  can,  unless 
we  carry  the  interests  of  these  missions  in  our  hearts 
day  after  day,  continually  asking  the  blessing  of 
the  Lord  upon  them.  In  the  morning,  through  the 
long  day,  or  at  night  as  we  commit  our  souls  into 
the  keeping  of  Him  who  never  sleeps  or  slumbers, 
do  we  think  of  those  who  have  gone  out  in  answer 
to  our  call  ?  What  a  source  of  strength  and  comfort 
it  would  be  to  our  missionaries  if  they  knew  that  in 
hundreds  of  Christian  homes  their  names  have  43een 
borne  up  to  a  throne  of  grace  day  after  day ;  how 
their  hands  would  be  strengthened  and  their  hearts 
cheered  by  the  knowledge  of  this  loving  personal 
interest  in  their  welfare.  The  courage  and  inspira- 
tion it  would  give  them  would  render  their  efforts 
almost  irresistable.  We  may  not  be  able  to  give  as 
liberally  to  our  missions  as  our  hearts  would  prompt 
us  to  do,  but  the  weakest,  humblest  child  of  God 
can  do  this  ;  and  what  more  can  any  one  ask  than 
the  inestimable  privilege  of  maldng  known  all  our 
wants  and  desires  to  a  loving  Savior  —  one  who  will 
withhold  no  good  gift  from  his  children,  but  whose 
ear  is  ever  open  to  their  cry,  and  who  has  said,  'All 
things  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name,  believ- 
ing ye  shall  receive.' 


HISTOKY   OF  THE   C.  W.  R.  M.  275 

For  nine  years  the  C.  W.  B.  M.  has  moved  along 
steadily  and  quietly,  striving  to  avoid  sensations  or 
display,  or  anything  in  manner  or  speech  or  conduct 
imlbecoming  to  women  'professing  godliness,'  until 
the  society  has  taken  high  rank  for  efficiency  among 
kindred  organizations. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

C.  W.  B.  M.  HISTORICAL  AND  STATISTI- 
CAL TABLES. 


TIE  following  table  represents  the  receipts 
and  expenditures  of  the  Christian  Woman's 
Board  of  Missions  for  the  years  indicated, 
beginning  October,  1874,  and  ending  Octo- 
ber, 1883. 

RECEIPTS. 

1874 ....Organized. 

1875 $1,200  35 

1876 1,749  00 

1877 2,033  77 

1878 2,918  57 

1879 3,551  24 

1880 5,050  96 

1881 7,983  50 

1882 12,833  60 

1883 11,564  55 

Total $48,885  64 

EXPENSES. 

1874 Organized. 

1875 $      23  50 

1876 1,120  70 

1877 2,463  49 

1878 2,961  79 

276 


0.  VV,  B.  M.  H.  AND  S.  TABLES.  277 

1879 2,110  33 

1880 , 4,958  67 

1881 7,687  25 

1882 6,623  38 

1883 13,665  71 


Total  $41,614  82 

CONTRIBUTION  BY  STATES. 

In  1883  the  Treasurer,  Mrs.  Maiy  T.  C.  Cole,  re- 
ported receipts  from  the  following  States,  with  the 
increase  or  decrease  as  compared  with  1882.  The 
following  is  the  tabular  statement : 

Missouri  $1,720  10  Decrease $177  78 

Illinois 1 ,668  37   Increase 50  14 

Ohio 1,592  08  Increase 45183 

Indiana 1,306  66   Decrease 359  95 

Kentucky 79S  97  Increase 391  89 

New  York 539  83  Increase 174  19 

Pennsylvania 400  60  Increase 72  16 

Iowa 372  68  Decrease 66  12 

Maryland 272  38  Increase 46  01 

Michigan 240  87  Increase 39  90 

Virginia 126  00  Increase 28  00 

Tennessee 90  25  Decrease 5  00 

Kansas 66  83  Increase 44  86 

West  Virginia 66  70  Increase 12  31 

Dist.  Columbia 64  05  Increase 24  05 

California 50  00  Increase 40  00 

Wisconsin 48  00  Increase 2  00 

Nebraska 46  11   Increase 22  89 

Jamaica 32  25  Decrease 102  72 

Montana 25  00  Increase 25  00 

Massachusetts 15  00  Increase 15  00 

Colorado 12  00  Increase 11  00 

New  Jersey 5  00  Increase 5  00 

Florida 5  00  Increase 5  00 

Texas 3  75  Increase 3  75 


278 


CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 


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C.  W.  B.  M.  H.  AND  S.  TABLES.  279 

The  Society  has  auxiliaries  in  the  larger  part  of 
the  States,  some  of  which  are  very  large  and  effi- 
cient. 

The  missions  sustained  either  wholly  or  in  part 
by  the  Society  are  represented  in  the  following 
table. 

Name  of  Mission.  When  Established.  Names  of  Missionaries. 

Jamaica 187G W.  K.  Azbill. 

Mississippi 1881 Jeptba  Hobbs. 

India 1882 Mary  Graybiel. 

India 1882 Ada  Boyd. 

India 1882 Laura  Kinzie. 

India i882 Mary  Kingsbury. 

Montana : , 1883 M.  L.  Streator. 

Montana 1883 Galen  Wood. 

The  foregoing  tables  do  not  represent  all  that  the 
Society  is  doing  for  the  cause  of  missions.  The 
Society  has  disseminated  intelligence  and  increased 
missionary  zeal  among  Christian  women.  It  is  a 
matter  of  rejoicing  that  the  Christian  Woman's 
Board  of  Missions  is  in  many  churches  a  quickener 
of  piety,  a  stimulating  agent  to  love  for  souls,  to 
prayer,andto  all  forms  of  Christian  growth  and  work. 
Its  members  call  attention,  by  word  and  example,  to 
the  need  of  foreign  mission  work  in  accomplishing 
the  object  of  all  Christian  effort — the  bringing  of 
every  human  soul  into  Christ's  kingdom.  Its  aim 
for  the  future  is  to  secure  the  organization,  nurture 
and  constant  growth  of  an  auxiliary  society  in  every 
church  of  Christ  within  its  territory.  At  home  and 
abroad  it  is  making  efforts : — 


280  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

"To  stretch  its  habitations, 
Lengthen  cords  and  strengthen  stakes, 

Till  Christ's  Kingdom,  of  the  nations, 
One  unbroken  household  makes. 

Toward  tMs  work  it  is  pressing  with  an  earnest 
purpose  and  witli  humble  reliance  on  Him  who  has 
promised  success  to  his  faithful  followers.  Springing 
with  a  hound  out  of  infancy,  its  youth  displays  a 
maturity  that  gives  large  expectation  for  the  fnture. 
Let  it  never  be  forgotton  that  mission  work  is  an  arm 
of  the  Church  of  Christ ;  and  that  it  is  our  business 
here  to  keep  that  arm  in  strong  and  healthful  exer- 
cise. The  past  behind  the  Society  is  as  nothing  to 
the  future  before.  History  pales  before  prophecy  in 
the  record  of  the  faithful.  "  Memory  bears  the  record 
of  much ;  hope  holds  the  promise  of  infinitely  more. 
The  graves  of  what  have  been  are  the  wombs  of  what 
shall  be.  The  land  occupied  is  as  nought  to  the  land 
to  be  possessed:  only  he  tJtou  strong  and  very 
courageous" 


CHAPTER  XV. 
OHIO  CHRISTIAJS"  MISSIOJS'ARY  SOCIETY. 

(^^HE  Ohio  Christian  Missionary  Society  has 
been  characterized,  during  its  entire  history 
by  the  stability  of  its  organization,  and  the 
steadiness  of  purpose  with  which  it  has  held 
on  its  way. 

It  has  encountered  but  not  succumbed  to  the  oppo- 
sition which  has  threatened  the  very  existence  of 
associated  missionary  efforts  among  the  Disciples. 
Rebating  the  minor  modifications  which  time  and 
experience  have  suggested,  its  plans  have  remained 
unchanged  and  its  organization  intact  from  the 
beginning. 

In  respect  of  persistent  effort,  the  Ohio  Society  has 
been  a  model ;  and  if  its  growth  has  been  slow  be- 
cause of  hindrances  which  compelled  it  sometimes 
to  struggle  for  life,  the  very  discipline  which  came 
from  struggle  has  added  to  its  strength,  so  that  now 
the  society  is  on  a  basis  more  stable  than  in  any 
former  period  of  its  history.  It  has  not  only  asserted 
and  maintained  its  right  to  exist,  but  it  has  also 
demonstrated  its  ability  to  live  and  do  good,  and  its 
power  in  sending  abroad  the  word  of  God  and  win- 
ning souls  to  Christ. 

281 


282  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

As  the  annual  records  of  the  meetings  of  the 
society  have  been  carefully  preserved  since  its 
organization  in  Wooster,  May  12, 1852,  it  is  com- 
paratively an  easy  task  to  sketch  its  history. 

As  far  as  possible  the  condition  of  the  society,  for 
each  succeeding  year,  of  its  history,  will  be  exhibi- 
ted in  the  statistical  tables  which  accompany  this 
sketch.     (See  Chapter  XX.) 

The  society  is  now  thirty-one  years  old.  Includ- 
ing the  first  meeting  at  Wooster,  it  has  held  thirty- 
two  meetings  at  the  following  places :  Wooster,  Mt. 
Vernon,  Bedford,  Akron,  Massillon,  Belief ontaine, 
Shelby,  Ashland,  Dayton,  Alliance,  Mansfield,  Pains- 
ville,  Toledo,  Steubenville,  East  Cleveland,  Lima, 
Warren,  Columbus,  and  Cleveland. 

It  has  had  eight  Presidents,  including  Leslie  R. 
Gault,  the  President  elect,  viz :  D.  S.  Burnet,  J.  P. 
Robison,  R.  M.  Bishop,  Isaac  Errett,  R.  R.  Sloan,  B. 
A.  Hinsdale,  T.  D.  Garvin  and  Leslie  R.  Gault. 

It  has  had  seven  Corresponding  Secretaries,  viz : 
Lee  Lord,  Isaac  Errett,  A.  S.  Hayden,  J.  H.  Jones, 
W.  A.  Belding,  R.  R.  Sloan,  and  Robert  Moffett. 

It  has  had  eight  Recording  Secretaries,  viz :  A.  S. 
Hayden,  W.  S.  Gray,  Robert  Moffett,  B.  A.  Hins- 
dale, George  Darsie,  I.  A.  Thayer,  J.  S.  Lowe,  and 
W.  H.  Martin. 

Its  Board  of  Managers  has  had  two  Presidents, 
viz :  J.  P.  Robison  and  A.  J.  Marvin. 

One  thousand  and  forty-nine  preachers  have  been 
employed  by  the  society  since  its  organization,  ex- 
clusive of  its  Corresponding  Secretary.    It  has  sus- 


OHIO   CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY   SOCIETY.  283 

tained  preacMng  for  59,525  days.  The  preachers 
employed  by  the  society  have  preached  57,401  ser- 
mons ;  and  22,630  additions  have  been  gained  to  the 
church  by  its  instrumentalities.  Its  missionaries 
have  organized  164  churches. 

The  society  has  received  an  aggregate  of  $258,- 
607.23  into  its   treasury  for  missionary  purposes. 

This  has  all  been  done  by  the  Disciples  of  Ohio, 
and  much  more  through  their  State  missionary  so- 
ciety. This  has  been  done  in  addition  to  what  the 
churches  and  individuals  have  done  for  local  and 
individual  reasons.  The  Disciples  have,  in  Ohio  at 
this  time,  about  430  congregations,  and  it  is  no  mean 
record  for  the  Ohio  Christian  Missionary  Society, 
that  it  has  been  the  agency  in  planting  more  than 
one-third  of  them. 

In  1873  the  society  had  completed  twenty-one 
years  of  its  history.  It  was  deemed  proper  that  a 
historical  sketch  of  the  society,  covering  these 
eventful  years,  should  be  prepared  ;  and  at  the  an- 
nual convention  which  was  held  that  year,  in  Woos- 
ter,  Isaac  Errett,  President  of  the  society  delivered 
an  address  on  the  "  Origin  and  History  of  the  So- 
ciety." As  the  address  was  by  one  who  "had  per- 
fect understanding  of  all  things  from  the  very  first," 
it  will  be  found  in  the  following  chapter,  substan- 
tially as  delivered. 


CHAPTER  XVI 
ORiam  AND  HISTORY,  0.  C.  M.  S  * 

T  was  twenty-one  years,  tlie  twelfth  day  of 
this  month,  (May,  1873),  since  what  is  now 
known  as  the  Christian  Missionary  Society 
of  Ohio  held  its  first  annual  session  in  this 
city  (Wooster).  As  twenty-one  years,  in 
this  country,  complete  the  period  of  legal  nonage,  it 
was  suggested  that  this  anniversary  be  made  the 
occasion  of  celebrating  the  successful  entrance  of 
the  society  on  a  new  era  of  life — the  perils  of  infancy 
and  the  struggles  of  childhood  and  youth  having 
been  successfully  encountered,  and  the  right  to  live 
having  been  fairly  won.  It  is  designed,  therefore, 
to  make  this  discourse  mainly  historical  —  a  sort 
of  biography  of  the  child  of  our  love,  from  its  birth 
to  this  present  time. 

It  is  usual,  in  such  sketches,  to  pay  attention  to 
the  question  of  ancestry ;  but  in  this  case  we  are  hap- 
pily relieved  from  the  necessity  of  delving  among 
the  dusty  tombs  of  antiquity  or  searching  among 
the  curious  treasures  of  ancient  heraldry,  or  of 
ecclesiastical  genealogies,  as  the  subject  of  our 
sketch  borrows  no  luster  from  the  past,  and  claims 
no  honors  but  such  as  have  been  self- won.    Apos- 

*  Address  by  Isaac  Errett.  284 


ORIGIN   AND   HISTORY,  O.  0.  M.  S.  285 

tolic  succession  lent  no  sacredness  to  the  grand 
struggle  for  life ;  traditionary  memories  furnished 
no  inspiration.  Necessity  was  the  stern  and  rugged 
sire ;  Philanthropy  the  sweet  and  tender  mother ; 
and  Poverty  the  lean  and  haggard  nurse,  to  whom 
this  child  owes  its  meager  store  of  honor,  so  far  as 
parentage  and  discipline  are  concerned.  K  any  halo 
of  glory  encircles  her  head  to-day ;  if  aught  of  grace 
and  queenly  dignity  marks  her  steps ;  if  she  bears 
in  her  right  hand  any  scepter  of  power,  or  in  her  left 
any  tokens  of  victory,  or  on  her  escutcheon  any 
symbols  of  heroic  achievement,  these  have  all  been 
self-created,  so  far  as  human  help  is  concerned.  For 
her  true  source  of  power  and  genuine  ancestral  hon- 
ors she  looks  beyond  all  human  fountains  of  life, 
and,  pointing  gratefully  to  the  Bible  here,  and  to  the 
God  of  the  Bible  there,  says  to-day :  "By  the  grace 
of  God  I  am  what  I  am." 

In  the  beginning  of  the  religious  reformation  for 
which  we  plead,  there  was  little  chance  to  give 
shape  and  direction  to  organized  missionary  effort. 
The  Baptists  were  not  yet  largely  a  missionary  peo- 
ple ;  very  many  of  them,  indeed,  were  anti-mission- 
ary— especially  in  the  West,  in  such  associations  as 
the  Redstone,  with  which  the  Campbells  were  identi- 
fied ;  which  was  under  the  control  of  narrow-minded 
and  exceedingly  bigoted  hyper  Calvinists,  like  Law- 
rence Greatrake,  who  contended  against  all  means 
in  conversion,  and  argued  that  when  our  Lord  said, 
"  Go  into  all  the  world  and  preach  the  gospel  to 
every  creature,"  he  meant  every  "  new  creature  "  or 


286  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

regenerate  person.  Of  course,  a  missionary  spirit 
could  not  live  in  conjunction  with  this  wretched 
theory  of  regeneration. 

When  it  became  necessary  for  the  Campbells  and 
their  associates  to  escape  from  the  bigotry  and  tyr- 
anny of  the  Eedstone  Association,  and  seek  a  refuge 
in  the  more  enlightened  and  liberal  association  of 
Mahoning,  attention  and  sympathy  were  too  much 
absorbed  in  the  controversies  about  creeds,  the 
clergy,  and  the  commandments  and  traditions  of 
men,  to  allow  of  much  to  be  done  towards  organiz- 
ing aggressive  missionary  movements.  From  the 
necessity  of  the  case,  the  propagation  of  the  princi- 
ples of  the  Reformation  depended  mainly  on  individ- 
ual efforts,  and  the  enthusiasm  and  self-sacrifice 
which  belong  to  the  early  stages  of  a  reformatory 
movement  supplied  the  place  of  systematic  and  rep- 
resentative labor  —  every  convert  being  instantly 
furnished  with  a  sword  and  a  trowel,  to  rebuild  the 
broken  walls  of  Jerusalem  with  the  one,  and  drive 
away  the  Sanballats  and  Tobiahs  with  the  other. 
Every  dispensation  is  ushered  in  with  miracles.  The 
superhuman  devotion,  enthusiasm  and  eloquence  of 
the  earliest  period  of  this  movement  largely  super- 
seded the  necessity  of  systematic  working,  and  had 
to  do  their  work  before  even  the  materials  for  sys- 
tematic co-operation  could  be  gathered  and  reduced 
to  order. 

It  must  be  confessed,  too,  that  the  wrongs  suffered 
at  the  hands  of  ecclesiastical  organizations,  and  the 
consequent  attack  on  the  organized  systems  and 


ORIGIN   AND   HISTORY,  0.  C.  M.  S  287 

established  creeds  of  the  time,  tended  to  create  dis- 
trust of  everything  like  organization  or  co-operation 
beyond  what  belonged  to  each  individual  church  ; 
and  the  assault  so  fiercely  and  so  successfully  made 
on  clerical  assumption  soon  swung  many  who  were 
engaged  in  it  into  an  opposite  extreme  —  an  anti- 
preacher,  anti-pay- the-preacher  doctrine  and  practice 
which  has  not  to  this  day  been  fully  rectified.  This 
was  natural,  and  not  without  its  good  results.  We 
speak  of  it  now  not  censoriously,  but  to  prepare  the 
way  for  understanding  and  appreciating  the  history 
of  struggle  and  conflict  which  it  is  our  duty  to  record. 
Let  us  say,  in  passing,  that  whatever  of  ultraism 
attached  to  this  movement  against  sects  and  clergy 
and  human  traditions,  much  as  we  may  lament  it, 
and  difficult  as  it  may  be  to  correct  it — was,  after 
all,  merely  incidental.  It  will  be  a  sad  day  when  we 
forget  or  grow  weary  of  the  aggression  on  all  that  is 
man-made  and  yet  authoritative,  in  the  doctrine, 
ritual  and  ecclesiastical  arrangements  of  sects  and 
creeds. 

Still  this  movement  was  not,  in  respect  to  organ- 
ization, the  blind  and  lawless  thing  that  many  have 
taken  it  to  be.  At  the  meeting  of  the  Mahoning 
Association  in  New  Lisbon,  Ohio,  in  1827 — forty-six 
years  ago — the  church  at  Braceville,  of  which  Jacob 
Osborne  was  elder,  sent  in  the  following  request : 

"We  wish  that  the  Association  may  take  into  serious  con- 
sideration the  peculiar  situation  of  the  churches  of  this  Asso- 
ciation, and  if  it  would  be  a  possible  thing  for  an  evangelical 
preacher  to  be  employed  to  travel  and  teach  among  the  churches, 
we  think  a  blessing  would  follow." 


288  CnRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

In  addition  to  the  Baptist  preachers  present,  were 
some  of  the  leading  men  of  the  people  then  known 
as  Christians,  such  as  John  Secrest  and  Joseph 
Gaston.  These  men  were  invited  to  seats  in  the 
Association.  They  were  much  more  in  the  spirit  of 
missionary  work  than  the  Baptists.  They  had 
greatly  awakened  large  communities  by  their  evan- 
gelizing zeal,  and  their  wonderful  success  had  much 
to  do  in  kindling  the  ardor  that  began  to  reveal 
itself  at  this  meeting  of  the  Association.  Their 
presence  and  their  power  greatly  aided  the  Associ- 
ation in  undertaking  the  work  to  which  it  then  gave 
itself.  It  was  voted  "  that  all  the  teachers  of  Chris- 
tianity present  be  a  committee  to  nominate  a  person 
to  travel  and  labor  among  the  churches,  and  to  sug- 
gest a  plan  for  the  sup23ort  of  the  person  so  em- 
ployed." It  was  also  voted  "that  a  circular  letter 
be  written  on  the  subject  of  itinerant  preaching,  for 
the  next  Association,  by  A.  Campbell."  The  Com- 
mittee of  Nomination  made  the  following  report : 

"  1.  That  Bro.  Walter  Scott  is  a  suitable  person  for  the  task, 
and  that  he  is  willing,  provided  the  Association  concur  in  his 
appointment,  to  devote  his  ■whole  energies  to  the  work. 

"  2.  That  voluntary  and  liberal  contributions  be  recommended 
to  the  churches,  to  raise  a  fund  for  his  support. 

"3.  That,  at  the  discretion  of  Bro.  Scott  as  far  as  respects 
time  and  place,  four  quarterly  meetings  be  held  in  the  bounds 
of  this  Association  this  year  for  public  worship  and  edification, 
and  that  at  these  meetings  such  contributions  as  have  been 
made  in  the  churches  in  these  vicinities  be  handed  over  to 
Brother  Scott,  and  an  account  kept  of  the  same  to  be  produced 
at  the  next  Association.  Also  that  at  anj^  time  and  at  any 
church  where  Brother  Scott  may  be  laboring,  any  contributions 
made  to  him  shall  be  accounted  for  in  the  next  Association."* 

<•  Memoirs  of  A.  Campbell,  Voi.  ii.,  pp.  174-5,  204-5. 


ORIGIN   AND   HISTORY,  O.  C.  M.  S.  289 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  tliat  in  that  important  work 
undertaken  by  Walter  Scott,  which  resulted  so 
grandly,  and  to  which  we  in  Ohio  owe  so  much  to- 
day, he  was  only  persuaded  to  accept  it  at  the 
request  and  under  the  patronage  of  the  Mahoning 
Association.  It  was  this  that  induced  him  to  close 
his  seminary  at  Steubenville,  abandon  his  publish- 
ing projects,  and  throw  his  whole  soul  into  the  mis- 
sionary work.  Had  it  not  been  for  that  associated 
action  and  support,  we  have  no  reason  to  believe 
that  that  wonderful  man  would  ever  have  swept 
eastern  and  northern  Ohio  with  the  tempest  power 
of  his  oratory,  or  kindled  that  fire  of  enthusiasm  in 
thousands  of  hearts  whose  flame  has  never  since 
been  entirely  quenched.  Let  those  who  are  con- 
tinually pointing  to  the  grand  triumphs  of  this 
period  as  proofs  of  what  was  done  without  organiza- 
tion, through  the  heroism  of  individuals  and  the 
action  of  individual  churches,  be  admonished  that 
m  this,  as  in  many  other  particulars,  they  are  speak- 
ing the  language  of  ignorance  and  of  error.  They 
have  never  made  themselves  acquainted  with  the 
facts.  The  boldness  and  the  confidence  with  which 
they  aflirm  the  absence  of  organization  for  mission- 
ary purposes,  and  the  matchless  success  of  the  gos- 
pel without  such  organization,  are  directly  in  the 
face  of  the  truth.  "We  are  indebted  to  an  associ- 
ation for  starting  Walter  Scott  into  the  missionary 
field,  and  initiating  and  sustaining  that  grand  work 
of  evangelization  out  of  which  nearly  all  that  has 
since  been  accomplished  by  us  in  this  State  has 

19 


290  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

grown,  and  without  which,  we  certainly  had  not  "been 
able  to  tell  of  thirty  thousand  disciples  and  four 
hundred  churches  to-day.  And  Alexander  Camp- 
bell was  there,  aiding  in  that  co-operative  movement. 
And  so  were  Adamson  Bentley,  Jacob  Osborne, 
William  Hayden,  and  other  grand  men,  whose  prin- 
ciples we  are  now  sometimes  charged  with  forsaking, 
because  we  seek  to  unite  Christians  in  co-operative 
missionary  work !  Let  the  men  who  are  constantly 
sneering  about  "  progression  "  and  "  departures  from 
the  old  paths,"  tell  us  how  far  we  have  strayed  from 
the  example  here  set  before  us. 

It  is  true,  however,  that  the  iconoclastic  spirit 
then  at  work  resulted  in  a  few  years  in  the  destruc- 
tion of  this  Association.  We  quote  from  Dr.  Rich- 
ardson's "Memoirs  of  A.  Campbell,"*  the  following 
paragraph,  as  deserving  of  careful  thought: 

"  About  this  time  the  lawfulness  of  Associations  became  a 
question  of  interest  with  the  Eeformers.  The  conduct  of  the 
one  at  Redstone,  and  the  recent  anathema  issued  by  that  at 
Beaver,  with  similar  proceedings  attempted  in  Kentucky  and 
Virginia,  had  exhibited  in  a  prominent  light  the  tendencies  of 
such  bodies  to  the  exercise  of  arbitrary  power.  Many  began  to 
fear  that  such  abuses  were  inherent  in  the  very  nature  of  such 
organizations,  and  that  they  might,  however  prudently  man- 
aged for  a  time,  become  unexpectedly  engines  of  mischief.  As 
there  was  no  positive  command  for  them,  others  among  the 
disciples  regarded  their  existence  as  incompatible  with  the 
principles  they  professed  of  adhering  closely  to  Scripture  pre- 
cept and  precedent.  Hence  when  the  Mahoning  Association 
met  this  year  (1830)  at  Austintown,  there  was  found  to  exist  an 
almost  universal  conviction  that  some  public  expression  on  the 
subject  was  demanded  by  the  interests  of  the  cause.  Mr. 
Campbell,  who  was  present,  entertained  no  doubt  that  churches  had  a 

»  Vol.  ii.  pp.  327-8. 


ORIGIN   AND   HI3T0RY,  O.  C.  M.  S.  291 

right  to  appoint  messengers  to  a  general  meeting,  to  bear  intelligence 
to  it  and  bring  home  intelligence  from  it,  or  transact  any  special 
business  committed  to  them.  He  thought  such  meetings  might  be 
made  very  useful  to  promote  the  general  advancement  of  the  cause  and 
the  unity  and  love  of  the  brotherhood,  and  was  in  favor  of  con- 
tinuing THE  Association  or  something  like  it,  which  would,  he 
thought  be  needed.  He  censured,  indeed,  the  inconsistent  con- 
duct of  which  associations  had  been  guilty  in  attempting  to 
impose  their  decisions  upon  churches,  but  felt  no  apprehen- 
sions on  this  score  in  regard  to  the  Mahoning  Association, 
where  the  churches  were  so  fully  enlightened  and  so  completely 
on  their  guard  against  encroachments  on  their  rights.  A  large 
majority  was,  however,  found  to  be  opposed  to  everything  under 
the  name  or  character  of  an  association,  and  it  was  finally  re- 
solved unanimously  that  the  Mahoning  Association,  as  '  an  ad- 
visory council,'  or  'an  ecclesiastical  tribunal,' exercising  any 
supervision  or  jurisdiction  over  particular  congregations,  should 
never  meet  again.  It  was  then  resolved  into  a  simple  meeting 
for  worship,  and  to  hear  reports  of  the  progress  of  tjje  gospel, 
and  such  a  meeting  was  accordingly  appointed  for  August  of 
the  next  year,  and  at  New  Lisbon." 

Henceforward,  weak  churches  must  struggle  along 
without  help,  or  die  ;  strong  churches  live  for  them- 
selves alone,  or  act  alone  in  helping  others  ;  new 
churches  start  into  existence  by  spontaneous  gener- 
ation ;  preachers  go  out  on  their  own  responsibility 
or  by  appointment  of  single  churches,  to  be  received 
by  some  and  rejected  by  others,  and  generally  to  be 
starved  into  a  necessity  of  resorting  to  some  other 
work  for  a  living ;  churches  having  quarrels  must 
fight  it  out  by  themselves  until  they  grow  weary  or 
succeed  in  devouring  one  another;  and  whatever 
aggressive  work  is  to  be  undertaken,  must  be  car- 
ried on  by  individuals  or  local  squads  in  a  sort  of 
guerilla  warfare. 


292  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

That  this  was  an  unwise  movement  and  seriously 
impeded  the  progress  of  tlie  churches  in  that  region, 
we,  after  a  long  and  large  acquaintance  witli  tliem, 
are  fully  convinced.  That  such  men  as  William 
Hayden  and  Jacob  Oshorne  mourned  over  it  till  their 
dying  day,  we  know.  That  Mr.  Campbell,  with  his 
admirably  balanced  mind,  saw  the  unwisdom  of  it, 
we  have  proved.  No  one  then  living  had  as  much 
right  as  he  to  complain  of  the  unjust  and  mischiev- 
ous acts  of  associations.  Yet  his  practical  wisdom 
saved  him  from  condemning  all  associations  of 
churches.  He  saw  the  need  of  some  sort  of  associa- 
tion and  co-operation  for  general  purposes,  and 
would  have  continued  the  Mahoning  Association, 
merely  modifying  it  to  suit  the  wants  and  circum- 
stances of  the  times.  The  fact  that  such  associa- 
tions sometimes  transcended  their  limits,  and  acted 
unwisely  and  unjustly,  is  not  sufficient  support  for 
the  conclusion  sought  to  be  sustained  by  it.  A 
similar  affirmation  may  be  truly  made  of  independ- 
ent churches;  and  it  would  equally  prove  that 
churches  have  no  right  to  exist.  The  same  is  true 
of  individual  persons,  and  would  prove  that  they 
have  no  right  to  live.  Indeed,  in  view  of  all  the 
tremendous  abuses  of  the  freedom  with  which  man 
was  originally  invested,  this  argument  would  im- 
peach the  wisdom  of  God  in  creating  man.  It  is  a 
one-sided  view  of  things.  It  leaves  out  of  sight  the 
essential  truth,  that,  where  there  is  no  power  that 
can  be  almsed,  there  is  none  that  can  be  used.  It 
not  only  mistakes  the  abuse  for  the  legitimate  use 


OKIGIN   AND   HISTORY,  0.  0.  M.  S.  293 

of  a  tiling,  but  assumes  that  it  is  better  to  anniliilate 
the  power  to  do  good,  than  to  run  the  risk  of  pervert- 
ing it  to  evil  ends. 

It  is  doubtless  easier,  at  this  distance,  to  criticise 
the  action  of  these  brethren  than  it  would  have  been 
to  act  differently  under  their  circumstances ;  but  it 
is  our  duty  to  learn  wisdom  from  the  errors  of  the 
past,  and  therefore  we  have  dwelt  with  some  empha- 
sis on  the  facts  in  this  case. 

When  the  evils  of  scattered  efforts  came  to  be  felt 
and  acknowledged,  attempts  were  sometimes  made 
to  overcome  them  by  county  co-operations.  These, 
however,  were  a  very  partial  remedy.  They  merely 
supplied  home  preaching  to  the  churches  once  a 
month,  or  once  in  two  months ;  and  did  little  or 
nothing  toward  spreading  the  gospel  among  the 
destitute.  Then  succeeded  some  attempts  at  district 
organization.  The  Northeast  and  the  Southwest 
Districts  came  into  being,  not  without  much  opposi- 
tion and  frequent  readings  of  Mosheim  to  the  conven- 
tions on  the  way  that  popery  first  began  to  show 
itself.  Very  good  and  worthy  brethren  saw  much  to 
fear  in  these  movements  —  failing  to  discriminate 
between  councils  meeting  to  lord  it  over  the  faith  of 
the  churches,  and  conventions  assembling  to  com- 
bine the  means  and  energies  of  the  churches  in  the 
spread  of  the  gospel.  However,  the  growing  mis- 
chiefs of  our  independent  and  unorganized  efforts 
compelled  attention  to  the  general  wants.  Many 
important  conquests  were  lost,  or  nearly  so  ;  many 
churches  were  dying ;    in  immense  districts  in  the 


294  CHEISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

State  we  were  without  representation,  and  the  most 
promising  fields  were  inviting  such  labors  as  only 
our  united  strength  could  furnish.  Our  most  thought- 
ful men  brooded  anxiously  over  the  problem  pre- 
sented for  solution,  until  finally  D.  S.  Burnet  and  T. 
J.  Melish,  of  Cincinnati,  resolved  to  go  to  the  breth- 
ren in  the  Northeast  District,  and  confer  with  them 
on  the  subject.  The  result  of  this  conference,  held 
at  Bedford  in  1851,  was  the  issuing  of  a  call  for  the 
appointment  of  delegates  from  all  the  churches  in 
the  State,  to  assemble  at  Wooster,  May  12, 1852,  and 
adopt  such  measures  as  their  united  wisdom  might 
dictate  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel.  Accordingly, 
at  the  time  designated,  forty-one  delegates,  from 
twenty-four  counties,  assembled  —  men  who  fairly 
represented  the  general  sentiment  of  the  churches 
appointing  them,  and  several  of  them  as  representa- 
tive men  of  the  State,  might  be  said  to  represent  a 
much  larger  sentiment  than  is  expressed  by  the  num- 
ber of  churches  mentioned  in  the  proceedings  of  that 
meeting.  Such  names  as  D.  S.  Burnet,  T.  J.  Melish, 
Benjamin  Franklin,  Wm.  Hay  den,  R.  R.  Sloan,  J.  P. 
Robison,  J.  H.  Jones,  A.  L.  Soule,  John  McElroy,  W. 
A.  Belding,  J.  J.  Moss,  Almon  B.  Green,  James  Had- 
sel,  Earle  Moulton,  W.  A.  Lillie,  Charles  Brown,  E. 
H.  Hawley,  Jacob  Hoffman,  Harmon  Reeves,  and  F, 
Williams  are  on  record.  Although  Alexander  Camp- 
bell's name  is  not  on  the  list  of  delegates — he  belong- 
ing to  another  State — he  was  there,  among  the  most 
anxious  and  interested  of  the  friends  of  co-operative 
work ;  there,  because  of  his  growing  anxiety  to  see 


OKIGIN   AND  HISTORY,  O.  C.  M.  S.  295 

something  worthy  accomplished  in  the  line  of  State 
organization  for  missionary  work,  and  because  of 
his  conhdence  that  Ohio  was  in  advance  of  all  other 
States  in  her  readiness  for  such  an  undertaking.  His 
approval  of  the  design  and  of  the  measures  adopted, 
and  his  steadfast  interest  ever  after  in  the  Ohio  mis- 
sionary movement,  are  well  known.  It  may  not  have 
gone  to  record  before — but  I  place  it  on  record  now, 
because  the  witnesses  are  here  to  prove  it — that  sev- 
eral years  later,  when  the  tribulations  of  this  society 
were  heavy  and  bitter,  and  the  best  friends  of  the 
movement  were  almost  ready  to  abandon  it  in  de- 
spair, Alexander  Campbell  most  earnestly  besought 
and  entreated  that  we  should  still  persevere  ;  "For," 
said  he,  "  if  you  fail  in  Ohio,  my  last  hope  of  seeing 
anything  like  permanent  State  associations  of  the 
churches,  for  the  promotion  of  general  interests, 
perishes  ;  but  if  you  succeed,  your  example  will  be 
followed  in  the  other  States,  and  we  shall  be  deliv- 
ered out  of  the  helplessness  that  now  afflicts  us."  At 
least  three  other  witnesses — Dr.  J.  P.  Robison,  A.  S. 
Hayden,  and  J.  H.  Jones,  are  here  to  testify  to  the 
truth  of  what  I  say ;  there  may  be  others.  I  am  par- 
ticular to  record  this,  not  because  there  is  anything 
authoritative  in  the  judgment  of  Alexander  Camp- 
bell ;  but  as  there  is  so  much  talk  these  days  of 
what  "the  fathers  "  taught,  and  of  the  "  old  paths," 
and  "the  old  landmarks,"  I  am  desirous  of  rescuing 
from  forgetfulness  an  important  fact,  for  the  sake  of 
the  truth  of  history. 


296  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

The  very  first  resolution  offered  after  the  adoption 
of  a  constitution  and  the  districting  of  the  State  was 
offered  by  Alexander  Campbell  in  these  words : 

"Resolved,  That  two  missionaries  be  appointed  by  the  pres- 
ent convention  to  peregrinate  the  whole  State  —  one  to  the 
north  and  one  to  the  south,  and  address  every  church  during 
the  next  conventional  year,  to  ascertain  the  statistics  of  every 
church,  its  special  locality,  the  number  of  its  members,  the 
names  of  all  the  public  teachers  and  preachers,  and  especially 
the  amount  of  time  annually  spent  by  them  in  the  field." 

This  was  with  a  view  to  furnish  data  to  the  con- 
vention, on  which  it  could  shape  its  proceedings 
intelligently,  as  to  raisings  funds,  employing  preach- 
ers and  teachers,  rousing  the  churches  to  activity, 
and  supplying  weak  churches  and  destitute  places. 
It  is  not  difficult  to  understand  that  the  same  sound 
judgment  that  approved  the  original  appointment  of 
Walter  Scott  by  the  Mahoning  Association,  and  that 
disapproved  of  the  dissolution  of  that  Association, 
had  been  confirmed  by  all  subsequent  experience 
as  to  the  absolute  necessity  of  something  beyond  the 
sphere  of  the  local  chui'ches  to  promote  the  interests 
of  the  common  cause. 

David  S.  Burnet  was  made  President  of  that 
Convention,  and  A.  S.  Hayden  and  T.  J.  Melish 
Secretaries. 

A  committee  of  five,  consisting  of  D.  S.  Burnet, 
Isaac  Errett,  Charles  Brown,  A,  S.  Hayden,  and  R. 
R.  Sloan,  was  appointed  to  report  on  Order  of  Busi- 
ness for  the  next  meeting,  and  to  prepare  a  Consti- 
tution. By  that  constitution,  as  amended  and  adopted 


ORIGIN   AND   UISTOEY,  O.  C.  M.  8.  297 

by  tlie  convention,  the  delegates  became  organized 
as  "  Tlie  Convention  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  the 
State  of  Ohio,"  which  consisted  entirely  of  delegates 
from  churches.  The  name  was  changed  eight  years 
afterwards  to  that  of  "The  Christian  Missionary 
Society  of  Ohio,"  because  experience  proved  that 
the  theory  of  exclusive  church  action  did  not  work 
well;  that  it  was  desirable  to  enlist  individiials 
in  the  work  where  churches  failed.  Accordingly, 
without  destroying  the  feature  of  delegation  from 
churches,  life-memberships  and  life-directorships 
were  created.  When  W.  A.  Belding  was  Corres- 
ponding Secretary,  this  new  method  of  raising 
money  was  very  successfully  established.  The  re- 
sult was  seen  in  the  increased  voluntary  attendance 
at  the  conventions  of  those  who  had  a  personal  in- 
terest in  the  work,  and  in  the  increased  contributions 
to  the  treasury.  The  most  successful  years  in 
money-raising  were  those  in  which  reliance  was  had 
on  individual  contributions,  and  the  largest  conven- 
tions were  those  in  which  life-directors  and  life-mem- 
bers made  the  majority  in  attendance. 

Thus,  while  in  1859,  there  were  but  sixty -five  in 
attendance,  and  but  thirty-nine  of  these  constituted 
the  convention ;  in  1860 — the  year  the  change  was 
made — the  result  of  the  agitation  for  popularizing 
the  movement,  is  seen  in  a  reported  attendance  of 
130 ;  in  1862,  the  number  reported  is  142 ;  while  in 
1863,  by  which  time  life-memberships  and  life-direc- 
torships had  become  pretty  generally  approved,  the 
attendance  was  270 — ^nearly  double  that  of  the  pre- 


298  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

ceding  year,  and  se^en  times  that  which  had  marked 
its  anniversaries  as  a  mere  delegate  "body.  In  1863, 
the  receipts  were  $7,944.61;  in  1862,  $5,482.44;  in 
1861,  $2,600.40;  in  1859,  $2,068.61;  while  in  1857 
they  were  but  $1,734.08.  And  I  may  add  to  this,  as 
a  fact  worth  considering,  that  when  we  were  thus 
acting  as  a  Society,  relying  much  on  the  life-mem- 
bership plan,  and  the  General  Society  operated  inde- 
pendently in  our  State,  on  the  same  life-membership 
plan,  we  raised  in  Ohio  for  both  societies  consider- 
ably more  than  we  have  been  raising  for  both,  on 
our  present  plan.  I  am  not  now  arguing  which  plan 
is  the  better  one,  but  I  am  furnishing  facts  in  this 
historical  sketch  which  may  be  of  service  hereafter 
in  aiding  us  to  just  conclusions. 

To  return  to  the  first  convention  :  In  the  circular 
sent  forth  by  its  authority  it  is  stated  that — "the 
only  object  of  this  State  organization  is  to  spread 
the  gospel  throughout  the  State ;  it  is  purely  mis- 
sionary in  its  nature."  Again,  in  an  appeal  issued 
in  1854,  we  find  this  language : 

"We  have  no  conventions  to  discuss  matters  of  doctrine  or 
discipline.  We  are  one  in  the  faith  of  Jesus — one  in  the  spirit 
of  Jesus.  This  blessed  unity  reveals  itself  in  combined  efforts 
to  save  the  lost.  We  meet  not  to  dispute  over  theological  specu- 
lations and  symbols  of  faith ;  but  to  take  sweet  counsel  together, 
in  holy  brotherhood,  as  to  the  most  faithful  and  judicious  ex- 
penditure of  means  for  the  glory  of  the  Lord  and  the  good  of 
mankind." 

In  1857,  the  address  issued  by  the  convention  thus 
sets  forth  the  state  of  things  at  the  beginning  of  this 
associated  effort : 


ORIGIN   AND   HISTORY,  O.'C.  M.  S.  299 

"In  the  assembly  which  projected  this  mission  were  veterans 
who  had  toiled  in  the  service  scores  of  years.  They  had  long 
lamented  the  absence  among  us  of  any  system  of  co-operative 
effort.  Churches  loosely  organized,  a  membership  undisciplined 
and  strangely  independent,  a  ministry  unstable,  without  sub- 
ordination to  one  another,  no  general  plan  of  action— what 
great  work  of  reform  could  we  expect  or  achieve?  How  unlike 
the  compact  host  of  '  the  armies  of  the  Living  God,'  which 
spread  dismay  through  the  ranks  of  undisciplined  valor; 
which,  though  weaker  and  fewer  than  any  other  people,  yet 
drove  out  seven  nations  mightier  than  they,  and  captured  the 
stronghold  of  Zion!  Shall  we  always  be  in  our  childhood? 
Are  we  never  to  arrive  at  manhood,  order,  and  scriptural  system 
in  the  work  of  the  Lord?  " 

Such,  was  the  condition  of  things  which  this  con- 
vention sought  in  some  sort  to  remedy.  Let  us  see 
how  they  went  about  it,  and  what  they  achieved. 

1.  The  amount  contributed  at  that  convention  for 
this  grand  pui-pose  was  $204.60,  and  the  additional 
amount  pledged  $156.50 — a  small  beginning,  truly! 
The  receipts  of  the  first  year,  however,  including  the 
above  amount  were  $661.92,  and  the  expenditures 
$323.84 ;  leaving  in  the  treasury  $338.08.  Yet,  with 
this  small  expenditure,  the  Board  reported  208  days 
labor,  eighty-seven  additions,  five  new  churches 
established,  four  weak  churches  assisted,  and  eleven 
destitute  places  supplied  with  preaching. 

The  Board  of  Managers  was  located  at  Bedford — 
and  consisted  of  A.  L.  Soule,  J.  P.  Robison,  Wm. 
Hayden,  James  Egbert,  A.  A.  Comstock,  J.  W.  Lan- 
phear,  C.  Lake,  W.  A.  Lillie,  Sydney  Smith,  Jacob 
Huffman,  and  Ransom  Benedict.  The  first  year  was 
necessarily  spent  mainly  in  preparing  their  work, 
and  feeling  their  way  to  the  adoption  of  proper 


300  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

measures  and  the  selection  of  proper  men.  What- 
ever may  be  the  future  of  old  Bedford,  her  past  is 
indissolubly  associated  with  the  struggles  and  suc- 
cesses of  this  society.  There  for  many  years  was  the 
place  of  regular  meeting  of  the  Board ;  the  rallying 
point  in  every  time  of  trouble ;  the  home  of  Robison 
Hillman  and  Egbert,  and  the  resort  of  the  Haydens, 
Soules,  Bentley,  Green,  Jones,  and  other  fast  friends, 
to  whose  faithfulness,  vdsdom,  and  liberality  we  owe 
very  much  of  the  success  in  which  we  are  now  per- 
mitted to  rejoice. 

In  the  second  year  Isaac  Errett  accepted  the  Cor- 
responding Secretaryship,  and  the  work  of  the 
organization  commenced  in  earnest.  The  receipts 
of  this  year  amount  to  $2,383.04. 

Expenditures $3,213  17 

Preachers  employed 25 

Days  service 2,289 

Churches  assi«ted  (twenty-five  of  them  at  important 

centers  of  influence) 116 

Destitute  places  suplied 69 

Baptisms 522 

Whole  number  of  additions 716 

Churches  planted  (six  of  them  at  county  seats  or 

large  places)     14 

Churches  resusci  tated 6 

Number  of  counties  in  which  missionary  labor  was 

performed 33 

Number  of  Districts 8 

Thus  earnestly  and  successfully  did  the  work  begin. 

The  receipts  of  the  next  year  ran  up  to  —  $5,180  00 

Expenditures $7,759  70 

Preachers  employed 32 

Days  service 3,671 


ORIGIN   AXD   HISTORY,  O.  C.  M.  8.  301 

Churches  assisted 161 

Destitute  places  supplied 81 

Baptisms 833 

Whole  number  of  additions 1,144 

Churches  plan  ted 15 

Number  of  counties  in  which  labor  was  performed. 48 

Number  of  discourses 3,197 

Number  of  families  visited 3,444 

Among  the  important  centers  to  which  attention 
was  given,  we  find  the  names  of  Bellefontaine, 
Steubenville,  Canton,  Massillon,  Kenton,  Paines- 
ville,  Mansfield,  and  Toledo. 

This  prosperity,  however,  could  not  continue  un- 
broken. Every  enterprise  of  real  worth  must  have 
its  periods  of  trial.  The  seed  planted  must  strike 
its  roots  downward  as  well  as  shoot  its  life  upward ; 
and  adversity  is  often  necessary  to  retard  a  too 
rapid  growth  above  ground  until  the  sources  of  sup- 
ply are  enlarged  beneath.  A  season  of  drouth,  a 
period  of  great  pecuniary  pressure  and  commercial 
disaster,  the  failure  of  some  of  the  districts  to  make 
good  their  promises,  and  the  disadvantage  growing 
out  of  frequent  changes  in  the  Corresponding  Secre- 
taryship— brethren  taking  it  from  the  sheer  neces- 
sity of  the  case,  only  to  devote  themselves  to  it 
partially  and  temporarily  until  some  one  else  could 
be  found  to  take  it ;  all  these  adverse  influences  were 
at  work  to  cripple  and  embarrass  the  operations  of 
the  Board  for  several  years.  It  was  just  here  that 
the  real  heroism  of  its  members  was  brought  out. 
During  these  years  of  adversity  they  fought 
bravely  on    through  darkness    and    storm,  never 


302  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

abandoning  the  ship,  never  speaking  other  than 
hopefully  of  the  final  result,  and  year  by  year  pre- 
senting encouraging  exhibits  of  work  done  and  pro- 
gress made.  The  Corresponding  Secretaries  who 
had  charge  of  the  work  in  these  troublous  times — 
A.  S.  Hayden,  J.  H.  Jones,  and  W.  A.  Belding — did 
an  amount  of  patient  work  which  cannot  be  pre- 
sented in  statistics,  and  made  strong  the  foundations 
for  the  superstructure  which  has  since  been  success- 
fully reared.  At  length,  in  1861,  the  man  was  found 
who  could  give  his  time  and  talents  all  to  the  work, 
in  the  person  of  R.  R.  Sloan,  of  Mount  Vernon,  Ohio, 
under  whose  patient  and  devoted  labors  and  peculiar 
skill  the  enterprise  began  again  to  assume  larger 
proportions  and  reveal  greater  results.  For  eight 
years  this  faithful  pilot  has  stood  at  the  wheel  in  all 
weathers,  at  all  seasons,  holding  the  vessel  steady 
against  adverse  vdnds,  beating  up  against  wind  and 
tide,  and  steering  through  difficult  and  perilous 
places  with  sleepless  vigilance  and  excellent  skill. 
When  he  could  be  spared  from  the  helm,  he  was 
found  tugging  at  the  oars.  He  was  captain,  mate, 
and  steward,  cabin-boy  and  sailor,  all  the  time- 
drilling  the  crew,  laying  in  provisions,  keeping  the 
log-book,  inspecting  the  stores,  and  making  the 
reckonings.  That  he  had  able  men  in  the  Board  to 
stand  by  him,  and  the  experience  of  all  of  us  who 
had  preceded  him,  alike  in  our  successes  and  fail- 
ures, to  help  him,  and  the  growing  sentiment  of  the 
brotherhood  to  encourage  him,  does  not  in  any  sense 
detract  from  the  merits  of  the  work  which  he  per- 


ORIGIN    AND   HISTORY,  O.  C.  M.  S.  303 

formed ;  for  he  had  the  good  sense  to  use  these  ad- 
vantages as  few  would  have  known  how  to  use  them. 
Under  God,  this  society  owes  more  to  his  unyielding 
patience,  unconquerable  purpose,  and  untiring  in- 
dustry, for  its  success,  than  to  any  other  one  man. 

Wlien  to  the  $661.92  of  the  first  year,  we  oppose 
the  $24,000  of  the  twenty-first  year,  we  may  well 
feel  that  a  feeble  infancy  has  developed  into  respect- 
able manhood.  And  when  we  state  what  the  life  of 
twenty-one  years  discloses,  it  will  be  seen  that  we 
are  not  without  reason  for  gladness  and  even  exul- 
tation, at  the  blessed  results  of  the  work  so  feebly 
begun : 

Number  days  labor 36,348 

Number  sermons ' 40,882 

Accessions 18,167 

Churches  planted 130 

Money  raised $135,225.45 

Nearly  one-half  of  our  present  membership  and 
nearly  one-third  of  our  churches  are  the  result  of 
missionary  labor,  besides  thousands  of  converts  that 
have  gone  forth  to  the  Great  West,  to  plant  new 
churches,  or  to  increase  the  ranks  of  the  faithful  in 
other  regions.  When  we  reflect,  too,  that  in  Colum- 
bus, Toledo,  Steubenville,  Painesville,  Canton,  Lima, 
Kenton,  McArthur,  and  other  important  centers, 
where  at  that  time  we  were  unknown,  or  but  feebly 
represented,  churches  have  risen  into  strength  and 
usefulness,  and  are  sounding  out  the  word  of  the 
Lord  with  great  success,  we  must  feel  that  if  we 
have  not  done  all  that  ought  to  have  been  done,  we 


304  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

have  at  least  made  a  record  not  dishonoraMe.  If 
our  steps  have  been  somewhat  slow,  they  have  been 
sure.  With  gratitute  may  we  erect  a  memorial 
pillar  iu  our  pathway  and  inscribe  on  it,  Ebenezer — 
and  say,  "  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us." 

2.  Tlie  number  of  our  churches  was  estimated  in 
1852  at  300  ;  and  of  members,  at  18,600.  This  was 
probably  an  overestimate,  as,  six  years  later,  the 
best  information  gave  us  only  310  churches  and 
19,000  members,  and  136  ministers,  most  of  them 
but  partially  employed.  At  present  we  have  400 
churches,  and  33,000  members,  and  140  ministers  in 
regular  employment.  When  we  consider  the  con- 
stant drain  on  our  churches  by  Western  emigration, 
and  the  exceedingly  limited  gains  from  the  East  to 
counterbalance  it ;  that  we  have  thus  to  repair  our 
losses  almost  exclusively  by  conversions;  this  in- 
crease must  be  regarded  as  altogether  encouraging. 

3.  At  the  first  convention,  twenty-five  Sunday- 
schools  reported  1,701  pupils.  As  these  reports 
came  from  less  than  half  our  churches — yet  from  the 
most  enterprising  ones — it  may  be  fair  to  allow  3,000 
pupils  and  fifty  Sunday-schools  at  that  time.  Now 
we  have  reported  215  schools,  2,165  officers  and 
teachers,  and  17,680  scholars,  shomng  a  six-fold  in- 
crease in  that  department,  as  far  as  numbers  are 
concerned ;  but  if  the  facts  are  known,  we  have  no 
doubt  they  would  exhibit  at  least  a  twenty-fold  in- 
crease as  to  efficiency  and  fruitfulness. 

The  second  year  forty-one  schools  were  reported. 
In  1858  we  have  the  first  report  of  a  missionary  con- 


ORIGIN"   AND   HISTORY,  O.  C.  M.  S.  305 

tribution,  from  a  Sunday-school,  the  school  in  Bel- 
laire  contributing  $6.29  that  year.  After  the  lapse 
of  ten  years  we  find  the  convention  bestowing  much 
attention  on  Sunday-schools  as  a  valuable  auxiliary 
to  missionary  work,  and  the  interest  continued  to  grow 
until,  in  1868,  our  forces  were  organized  for  that  work 
in  the  Christian  Sunday-school  Association,  which 
has  since  been  very  active  and  prosperous,  and 
whose  messengers  are  here  to  tell  us  of  its  present 
status,  and  their  desires  and  aims  for  the  future. 

4.  The  extent  of  territory  occupied  in  1852  was 
quite  limited.  In  1853,  twenty-eight  counties  out  of 
eighty-seven  made  no  report  at  all;  fifteen  counties 
reported  but  one  church  each ;  and  thirteen  but  two 
each — making  fifty-six  counties  in  which  we  had 
scarcely  any  footing.  In  1858  nearly  half  the 
churches  in  the  State  were  found  in  thirteen  counties; 
seventeen  or  eighteen  counties  had  no  churches.  In 
1868  the  statistics  showed  that  seventy  counties  had 
churches.  Of  these,  eleven  had  one  church  each,  and 
nine  two  each,  while  in  thirty-nine  counties  quite  a 
respectable  footing  had  been  gained.  This  still 
leaves,  however,  a  vast  home  missionary  field  open 
to  us ;  and  when  we  are  told,  as  late  as  1871,  that 
173  churches — 130  of  them  in  organized  districts — 
are  contributing  nothing  to  the  society,  it  indicates 
how  partial,  as  yet,  has  been  our  success  in  uniting 
the  means  of  the  churches  in  this  great  enterprise. 

The  society  has  had  four  Presidents  since  its  or- 
ganization :  D.  S.  Burnet,  from  1852  to  1855,  inclu- 
sive ;  J.  P.  Robison,  from  1856  to  1859 ;  R.  M.  Bishop, 

20 


306  CHEISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

from  1860  to  1669;  and  Isaac  Errett  from  1870  to  the 
present.  Of  Corresponding  Secretaries  there  have 
been  seven  :  Lee  Lord,  one  year ;  Isaac  Errett,  three ; 
A.  S.  Hayden,  two  ;  J.  H.  Jones,  one ;  W.  A.  Belding, 
two ;  R.  R.  Sloan,  eight ;  and  R.  Moflfett,  four  years. 
During  all  these  years  J.  P.  Robison  has  been  the 
President  of  the  Board  of  Managers ;  and  it  is  not 
too  much  to  say  that  to  his  business  skill,  wise 
counsels  and  indomitable  energy,  we  owe  very 
much  of  the  stability  and  success  of  this  enterprise. 
When  nearly  all  others  were  confounded  and  lost 
heart,  his  Dutch  persistence,  and  excellent  skill, 
and  all  conquering  hopefulness,  preserved  us  from 
death.  A.  S,  Hayden,  for  two-thirds  of  the  period 
was  our  Scribe,  though  in  no  wise  related  to  the 
Pharisees.  Had  it  not  been  for  Bro.  Hayden's  re- 
moval to  the  West,  he  would  doubltess  have  been 
our  only  Recording  Secretary,  except  the  two  years 
of  his  Corresponding  Secretaryship ;  but  on  account 
of  his  removal,  the  honors  of  that  position  were 
borne  two  years  by  W.  S.  Gray,  two  by  R.  Moffett, 
and  four  by  B.  A.  Hinsdale. 

In  1870  a  general  plan  of  co-operation  in  mission- 
ary work  in  all  the  States  having  been  recom- 
mended, this  society  gave  in  its  adhesion  so  far  as 
to  make  one  work  in  the  State  for  missionary  pur- 
poses, but  without  surrendering  its  distinctiveness 
as  a  society,  or  abandoning  its  feature  of  annual  and 
life-memberships  and  life-directorships.  Since  that 
date  its  funds  have  been  divided  with  the  General 
Convention. 


ORIGIN"  AND   HISTORY,  O.  C.  M.  S.  307 

In  1870,  this  society  opened  a  friendly  correspon- 
dence with  the  Ohio  Baptist  Convention,  which  con- 
tinued until  1872.  Its  object  was  to  induce  a  more 
friendly  relation  "between  two  organizations  which, 
in  their  objects  and  inspirations,  had  much  in  com- 
mon, and  a  better  understanding  between  the  two 
religious  people,  represented  in  these  organizations. 
The  entire  correspondence  was  frank,  courteous,  and 
profitable.  It  has  broken  do^vn  some  of  the  barriers 
that  prejudice  has  erected,  led  to  a  better  mutual 
understanding  of  the  views  and  feelings  of  the  par- 
ties, and  disposed  them  to  deal  in  a  more  fraternal 
spirit  with  each  other.  While  it  holds  out  no  imme- 
diate prospect  of  union,  it  is  yet  evident  that  if  there 
ever  shall  be  a  union  of  those  who  mutually 
acknowledge  and  plead  for  "one  Lord,  one  faith  and 
one  baptism,  "such  a  step  as  this  must  first  have  been 
taken.  And  if  such  a  union  is  ever  brought  about, 
history,  in  tracing  its  sources,  will  not  fail  to  find 
one  of  them  in  this  correspondence.  The  most  im- 
portant thing  to  be  done  in  this  world  is  to  plant 
true  ideas  and  principles  in  the  hearts  of  men.  They 
may  be  slow  in  revealing  their  power,  but  they  never 
die,  and  are  sure  in  the  end  to  accomplish  their  revo- 
lutionary and  regenerative  task.  We  have  been 
able  to  plant  ideas  and  principles  relative  to  Chris- 
tian Union  through  this  correspondence  in  thousands 
of  hearts.  We  have  become  better  known  in  our 
principles  and  aims,  over  all  the  land.  We  commit 
the  seed  sown  to  Him  who  causeth  to  grow,  confident 
that  in  His  good  time  the  harvest  will  appear. 


308  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

It  is  not  my  province  to  speak  of  the  men  who 
were  with  us  in  the  "beginning  who  are  no  longer 
here.  That  task  is  assigned  to  another,  and  will  be 
faithfully  performed.  But  I  may  be  allowed  to  say, 
and  to  mark  it  as  a  cause  for  especial  gratitude,  that 
the  most  of  those  who  were  here  then,  are  still  living 
and  most  of  the  active  workers  who  sustained  rtie 
burden  of  this  enterprise  at  the  start  are  still  here, 
strong  and  active  and  hopeful.  It  will  not  be  so 
much  longer.  The  next  grand  reunion  of  the  found- 
ers and  original  friends  of  this  society  will  be,  not  in 
Wooster,  but  in  Paradise.  Alexander  Campbell, 
D.  S.  Burnet,  Walter  Scott,  Adamson  Bentley,  Wil- 
liam Hayden  and  a  few  others,  have  already  gone ; 
the  rest  of  us  will  soon  commit  this  work  to  younger 
hands,  and  follow  them  to  the  land  of  rest.  If, 
through  grace,  we  are  permitted  to  enter  that  rest,  it 
fully  comports  with  my  best  conceptions  of  that 
future  life,  that  there  will  be  a  gathering,  in  some  of 
the  sweet  bowers  of  the  garden  of  God,  or  under  the 
spreading  branches  of  some  of  the  trees  that  grow 
on  the  banks  of  the  River  of  Life,  of  those  who 
toiled  and  prayed  and  wept  together  here  in  this 
blessed  work,  to  talk  of  all  their  perils  past ;  to  trace 
the  loving  providences  that  led  tliem  through  dark 
and  stormy  scenes ;  to  receive  a  fuller  report  than 
any  secretary  here  can  furnish  of  the  results  of 
their  associated  labors;  and  to  rejoice  together 
before  God  that  they  have  not  run  in  vain  neither 
labored  in  vain.  I  do  not  picture  such  a  meeting  as 
one  of  very  great  exultation.     I  rather  think,  amid 


ORIGIN   AND   HISTORY,  O.  C.  M.  8.  309 

the  ineffable  glories  and  felicities  of  that  heavenly 
destiny,  and  the  clearer  vision  we  shall  then  enjoy 
of  the  riches  of  grace  and  the  glories  of  our  Redeemer, 
it  may  come  as  near  to  sadness  as  can  be  known  in 
that  blessed  land,  to  reflect  that  we  had  been  so  cold 
of  heart,  had  done  so  little,  suffered  so  little,  paid  out 
so  sparingly,  in  response  to  the  Infinite  Love  that 
beamed  on  us  in  the  wonderful  mission  of  toil  and 
sorrow  and  tears  and  blood,  of  the  adorable  Son  of 
God.  Our  deepest,  purest  joy  will  be  that  we  are 
there  at  all — that  faith  so  staggering,  love  so  feeble, 
service  so  poor,  could  be  accepted  before  the  throne 
of  Justice,  through  the  infinite  mercy  of  God  in 
Christ.  And  yet,  though  tliis  shade  of  pensiveness 
may  subdue  the  exultation,  it  will,  after  all,  be  a 
great  and  holy  joy  that  it  was  put  into  our  hearts  to 
render  even  a  feeble  service,  and  to  spend  life  in 
honest  endeavors  to  save  the  souls  of  the  perishing.  It 
will  be  a  goodly  company — the  original  workers  and 
those  wlio  were  reached  through  their  co-operative 
work  and  turned  to  God ;  and  after  they  have  talked 
together  of  their  mutual  experiences  in  the  work  of 
God,  and  testified  of  the  grace  that  redeemed  and 
sanctified  them,  and  made  them  fruitful  in  works  of 
righteousness,  it  will  be  an  hour  of  mighty  joy  and 
very  tender  interest  when  they  go  in  company  to  the 
presence  of  the  King,  singing  sweet  snatches  of  the 
old  earth- songs  by  the  way,  to  present  their  united 
acclamations  of  love  and  gratitude  to  Him  through 
whose  grace  they  have  been  rescued  from  sin  and 
death  and  inspired   to  labor  for  the  salvation  of 


310  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

others.  I  am  glad  to  be  here  ;  but  "  what  will  it  be 
to  be  there  ? "  I  am  glad  to  say  that  I  cherish  good 
hope,  through  grace,  to  be  present  at  that  reunion, 
though  it  grows  in  wonder  upon  me,  as  the  years 
increase,  how  it  ever  can  be.  Still  I  dare  to  hope  that 
the  grace  which  called  me  from  sin,  and  which  has 
never  forsaken  me  since,  will  be  with  me  to  the  end, 
and  be  ever  sufficient  in  life  and  in  death.  When 
the  roll  shall  be  called  in  tliat  reunion,  may  none  of 
us  be  missing.  Oh !  what  a  rapture  it  will  be,  if  it 
is  found  that  all  are  there !  It  comes  in  vision  before 
me  now.  I  can  see  D.  S.  Burnet,  our  first  President, 
again  taking  the  chair,  and  in  a  purer  and  more 
graceful  elocution  than  that  which  gave  such  charm 
to  his  oratory  here,  proceeding  to  state  the  occasion 
that  has  called  us  together,  and  to  link  it  with  the 
memories  of  these  present  scenes.  I  can  hear  the 
voice  of  William  Hayden  pouring  out,  with  surpass- 
ing fervor  and  pathos,  gratitude  and  love  and  rever- 
ence to  the  Father  of  Lights,  and  invoking  the 
presence  and  covenant  mercy  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  I  can  hear  the  gentle  voice  of  A.  S.  Hayden 
calling  the  roll,  and  catch  the  tone  of  each  one  as  he 
answers.  As  the  minutes  of  the  first  meeting  in  Woos- 
ter  are  read  over,  I  can  catch  the  tender  thrills  of  joy 
that  leap  from  heart  to  heart,  and  see  the  tears  of 
thankfulness  and  gladness  that  do  not  need  to  be 
wiped  away.  I  can  see  the  venerable  patriarch  of 
Bethany  rising  in  the  grandeur  of  an  immortal  form, 
holding  a  resolution  in  his  hand  expressive  of  the 
sense  of  the  meeting,  in  view  of  the  dealings  of  God 
with  them  since  May  12, 1852 ;  and  hear  him  recount 


ORIGIN"   AND   HISTORY,  O.  C.  M.  8.  311 

in  more  than  eartMy  eloquence,  the  manifold  mercies 
of  God  and  rise  into  overpowering  grandeur  as  he 
takes  up  once  more  his  dear  old  theme  of  the  Personal 
Dignity  and  Official  Power  and  Glory  of  the  Son  of 
God.  I  hear  the  trumpet  tones  of  Walter  Scott,  as  his 
ransomed  soul  rises  to  a  heavenly  grasp  of  the 
themes  that  woke  him  even  here  to  matchless  elo- 
quence ;  and  watch  the  kindling  transport  in  every 
eye  until  his  voice  is  drowned  in  the  outbursts  of  hal- 
lelujahs from  the  inspired  throng.  I  can  catch  the 
very  tones  of  the  succeeding  speakers  as  they  pro- 
ceed with  reminiscences  of  their  earth-life,  inter- 
mingled with  outbursts  of  praise  and  rapture  and 
relieved  occasionally  by  old,  familiar  songs,  and 
choruses,  and  prayers.  The  vision  would  not  be 
complete  without  an  exhortation  fron  J.  H.  Jones. 
The  musical  cadences  of  his  voice,  sweeping  in  clear- 
ness and  melting  tenderness  over  the  assembly — his 
soul  fairly  ablaze  with  the  raptures  of  redeeming  love, 
or  weeping  out  its  gratitude  over  the  touching  remi- 
niscences of  the  toils  and  sorrows  and  perils  of  the 
earthly  conflict,  sway  all  hearts  and  loose  every 
tongue  for  an  utterance  of  triumphal  song.  Then  I 
hear  the  notes  of  old  "  Coronation "  rising  on  the 
air,  and  waves  of  glorious  melody  roll  up  from  the 
assembly,  and  the  swelling  strain  is  borne  onward 
to  the  throne,  from  the  hearts  and  lips  of  this 
redeemed  company : 

"All  hail  the  power  of  Jesus'  name  I 
Let  angels  prostrate  fall ; 
Bring  forth  the  royal  diadem, 
And  crown  Him  Lord  of  All !  " 


312  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

May  you  and  I  be  there,  my  brethren,  when  that  re- 
union takes  place. 

I  feel  no  sadness  in  the  thought  that  this  work 
must  soon  pass  into  other  hands.  It  is  right,  we 
have  tried  to  do  our  work  for  our  own  generation : 
others  can  better  do  the  work  for  the  generations  to 
come.  Nor  have  I  any  special  fears  that  the  work 
will  suffer  in  the  hands  of  our  successors.  Two 
things  I  desire  of  them :  1.  That  they  cling  to  Jesus, 
the  divine  Lord  and  Savior,  and  allow  no  other  creed 
to  turn  their  hearts  away  from  the  simple  faith  in 
the  Christ  to  which  the  gospel  has  led  us.  2.  That 
they  cling  to  the  word  of  God,  and  love,  reverence 
and  honor  it  as  their  only  rule  of  life.  Then  I  shall 
have  no  fears.  If  personal  ambitions  and  hazardous 
speculations  can  but  be  held  in  perpetual  abeyance, 
all  will  be  well.  Let  us  trust  and  pray  that  God 
will  raise  up  men  after  his  own  heart  to  do  his  work ; 
and  let  us  hope  that  they  will  greatly  excel  their 
predecessors  in  wisdom,  in  zeal,  in  holiness,  and  in 
the  fruitfulness  of  their  labors.  May  a  double  por- 
tion of  God's  Spirit  be  theirs ! 

We  dare  not  attempt  to  prophesy,  but  we  cannot 
close  without  recording  our  wishes,  and  to  some  ex- 
tent our  hopes,  as  to  what  shall  be  seen  by  those 
who  may  gather  at  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the 
Christian  Missionary  Society  of  Ohio  : 

1.  That  every  county  seat  and  every  city  in  the 
State  will  be  occupied.  That  Cincinnati  will  have 
ten  churches;  Columbus,  four;  Dayton,  four; 
Toledo,  five ;  and  Cleveland,  six,  strong  working 
congregations. 


ORIGIN   AND   HISTORY,  O.  C.  M.  S.  313 

2.  That  in  every  church  in  the  State  there  will  be 
a  permanent  Teacher  and  Pastor  in  its  eldership ; 
and  that  every  church  will  be  a  scliool,  in  a  much 
more  complete  sense  than  now,  in  which  its  mem- 
bers shall  not  only  be  taught,  but  trained  for  Chris- 
tian work,  so  that  the  Sunday-school  and  the  pulpit 
shall  have  a  full  supply  of  teachers  coming  from  the 
church  to  do  its  work,  and  all  active  ministries  be 
kept  in  full  force. 

3.  That  the  standard  of  intelligence,  piety  and 
benevolence  will  be  greatly  elevated,  and  the  exhib- 
itions of  Christian  life  in  those  trained  from  infancy 
in  the  freedom  of  the  gospel,  be  marked  by  a  sym- 
metry, strength  and  heartiness  in  the  masses,  now 
seen  only  in  exceptional  cases. 

4.  That  complete  provision  will  have  been  made, 
alike  for  the  education  of  ministers,  and  the  care  o£ 
the  superannuated. 

5.  That  at  least  two  orphan  asylums — one  for  boys 
and  one  for  girls — will  be  found,  sustained  and  fos- 
tered by  our  brotherhood,  adequate  to  meet  the 
wants  of  our  community  in  this  State ;  and  that 
homes  for  the  aged  and  destitute  will  be  found  in 
sufficient  number  to  provide  for  all  our  homeless  and 
friendless  ones. 

6.  That  our  membership  in  the  State  will  be  at 
least  75,000,  and  the  annual  receipts  of  this  Society 
$100,000;  and  that  the  annual  meetings  will  be 
cheered  with  the  tidings  of  triumphs  in  our  own  and 
in  distant  lands,  wTought  through  the  offerings  made 
from  your  treasury. 


314  OHEISTIAlSr  MISSIONS. 

7.  That  in  all  our  large  cities  ministries  of  Chris- 
tian men  and  women,  in  every  field  to  which  Chris- 
tian philanthropy  shall  invite  them,  will  be  found 
diligently  accomplishing  the  work  of  Christ. 

I  say  all  this  on  the  supposition  that  for  twenty- 
nine  years  to  come  we  are  to  remain  a  sej^arate  peo- 
ple. But  I  dare  to  hope  better  things  than  these.  I 
dare  to  hope  that  before  that  time  all  in  the  State 
of  Ohio  who  acknowledge  one  Lord,  one  faith,  and 
one  baptism,  will  have  forgotten  their  feuds,  aban- 
doned their  partisan  peculiarities,  dropped  their 
human  creeds  and  party  names,  and  will  have  united 
in  one  grand  body,  to  keep  the  faith  and  the  com- 
mandments of  Jesus.  That  there  will  thus  be  found 
a  church  at  least  200,000  strong  in  this  State,  whose 
power  will  be  felt  everywhere  in  behalf  of  Christian 
truth  and  Christian  life ;  and  that  the  grave  ques- 
tions then  pending  between  them  and  other  bodies 
will  be,  as  to  the  abandonment  of  what  may  yet  be 
left  of  human  traditions,  and  the  final  union  of  all 
who  accept  the  Bible  as  the  only  infallible  rule  of 
faith  and  practice,  in  one  glorious  Church  of  Grod. 

Such  a  change  as  this  would  not  be  at  all  more 
surprising  than  several  changes  wrought  during  the 
last  twenty  years.  Yet  we  presume  not  to  speak 
confidently.  It  may  be  far  otherwise.  God  may 
have  adversities  rather  than  prosperities  in  store  for 
us.  There  may  be  fierce  and  bitter  conflicts  with 
opposing  powers  that  even  now  threaten  our  liberties, 
and  may,  ere  long,  renew  in  this  land  the  terrible 
battles  fought  for  freedom  in  Europe.     Or  what  is 


ORIGIN   AND   HISTORY,  0.  0.  M.  S.  315 

worse  than  even  this,  we  may  be  our  own  worst 
enemies,  and  forsake  the  cause  of  truth,  and  bring 
upon  ourselves  a  swift  destruction  such  as  the  wrath 
of  no  enemy  could  x^i'ovoke.  Let  our  chief  concern 
be,  not  the  fortunes  of  the  future,  but  rather  the 
duties  of  the  present.  Let  us  endeavor  to  grasp  the 
full  meaning  of  the  teaching  of  Jesus,  and  resolve 
fully  to  develop  the  spirit  and  aims  of  that  teaching 
in  individual  life  and  in  church  life  ;  and  God  will 
provide  for  the  future. 

I  cannot  close  this  address  without  alluding  to  one 
fact  that  not  only  crowns  the  history  of  twenty-one 
years  with  gladness,  but  gives  an  encouraging  token 
of  future  usefulness. 

Our  first  President,  D.  S.  Burnet,  made  provision 
in  his  will  for  a  certain  portion  of  his  estate  to  be 
devoted  to  the  education  of  young  men  for  the  Chris- 
tian ministry — the  funds,  in  a  certain  contingency, 
to  be  surrendered  to  the  management  of  this  society. 
For  reasons  not  necessary  to  be  detailed  here,  it  was 
found  advisable,  on  the  part  of  his  widow  and  the 
heirs  to  agree  among  themselves  as  to  the  division 
of  his  property.  It  would  have  been  very  difficult 
to  reach  a  decision  as  to  the  amount  of  his  estate  to 
be  devoted  to  the  educational  purpose  mentioned, 
and  indeed  it  may  be  held  in  doubt  whether  any 
portion  of  it  could  have  been  legally  recovered  for 
this  purpose.  We  owe  to  his  brother.  Judge  Jacob 
Burnet,  and,  through  his  counsel,  to  the  widow,  Sister 
Mary  G.  Burnet,  and  the  other  heirs,  the  appropri- 
ation of  ten  thousand  dollars  to  this  Society,  in  trust 


316  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

for  the  object  already  mentioned.  It  was  clear  from 
the  will,  whatever  legal  impediments  might  be  in  the 
way,  that  the  testator  intended  a  portion  of  his  estate 
to  be  devoted  to  this  use.  It  was  desired  on  the 
part  of  his  brother,  into  whose  hands  the  manage- 
ment of  the  estate  came,  and  by  those  interested  in 
the  estate,  to  fulfill  the  pious  intention  of  the  testator 
in  this  particular.  He  therefore  made  a  proposition 
to  the  officers  of  this  society  to  make  over  to  them 
ten  thousand  dollars  from  the  estate  of  J).  S.  Burnet, 
to  be  known  as  the  Burnet  Fund  for  the  education 
of  Young  Men  for  the  Christian  Ministry  on  condition 
that  they  would  release  all  claims  of  this  society  on 
said  estate.  This  amount  will,  we  are  confident, 
soon  be  paid  over,  bearing  interest  from  last  July. 
We  shall  thus  have  what  we  long  desired,  the  begin- 
ning of  a  fund  for  this  most  important  purpose.  This 
is  not  the  first  bequest  made  to  this  society,  but  it  is 
the  first  one  of  any  considerable  amount  which  we 
can  speak  of  as  sure  to  be  realized.  There  is  no 
reasonable  doubt  that  this  amount  will  be  in  the 
hands  of  the  trustees  within  the  present  year.  Com- 
ing from  our  first  President — the  man  who,  so  far 
as  is  known,  was  the  first  to  suggest  this  State  organi- 
zation, and  who  was  always  its  faithful  friend  —  it 
is  not  only  gratifying  as  an  evidence  of  his  devotion 
to  its  interests,  but  encouraging  as  an  example  to 
others  to  make  similar  provisions  for  the  appropria- 
tion of  a  reasonable  share  of  their  wealth  to  the 
work  this  society  has  in  charge.  It  opens  a  new 
era  in  our  history  when,  no  longer  entirely  depend- 


OKIGIN   AND  HISTOEY,  O.  C.  M.  8  317 

ent  upon  the  small  contributions  of  the  poor,  we 
shall  receive  such  liberal  aid  from  the  wealthy  as 
will  enable  us  to  move  forward  more  rapidly  and 
efficiently  in  our  benevolent  undertakings.  This 
society,  in  the  history  of  twenty-one  years,  has 
earned  a  title  to  the  confidence  of  the  brotherhood 
in  the  State,  as  to  its  permanence  and  efficiency.  Its 
foundations  were  patiently  and  firmly  laid,  and  the 
superstructure  has  been  carefully  and  skillfully 
reared.  It  will  stand.  And  good  men  and  women 
who  desire  to  do  good  with  means  which  cannot  be 
spared  while  they  live,  will  begin  to  look  to  this 
organization  as  a  trustworthy  agency  through  which 
to  accomplish  their  intentions  after  their  death. 

My  task  is  done.  It  has  been  my  duty  to  note 
facts,  and  present  a  connected  view  of  events.  Per- 
sonal sketches  and  estimates  of  character  will  be 
presented  by  another  and  worthier  pen.  In  review- 
ing the  history  of  this  society  from  its  beginning 
until  now,  I  feel  glad  that  my  name  stands  among 
those  that  laid  its  foundation  and  framed  its  consti- 
tution. In  view  of  its  far-reaching  spiritual  interests 
and  its  sacred  aims,  I  feel  more  honored  to-day  to 
stand  enrolled  in  its  membership  and  associated 
with  its  toilers,  than  I  would  to  stand  in  the  proud- 
est assemblies  of  earth  that  seek  only  the  further- 
ance of  material  interests.  Feeble  and  unworthy  as 
my  own  work  in  its  behalf  has  been,  I  am  still 
happy  in  the  thought  that  no  word  from  tongue  or 
pen  of  mine  has  ever  been  uttered  in  derogation  of 
its  claims,  or  in  discouragement  of  its  work. 


318  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

To  those  who  were  here  in  the  beginning,  let  me 
say :  I  expect  never  to  know  better  bonds  of  brother- 
hood on  earth,  than  those  which  have  held  many  of 
us  together  in  unbroken  confidence  and  growing 
sympathy  for  a  quarter  of  a  century,  and  which  it  is 
pretty  safe  to  say  now,  after  so  long  a  test,  will  en- 
dure to  the  end  of  life.  Brothers  we  have  been 
through  many  dark  years  —  brothers  in  sympathy, 
in  confidence,  in  toils,  in  tears,  in  tribulations,  and 
in  triumphs  too.  We  were  brothers  when  we  were 
young,  and  ardent,  and  impulsive ;  brothers  we  are 
still,  now  that  we  are  growing  gray,  and  the  experi- 
ences of  life  have  made  us  more  sober  and  thoughtful 
and  wise ;  brothers  let  us  remain  to  the  end.  In  the 
words  of  a  dear  old  heart-hymn,  sung  much  in  years 
agone : 

"  Together  let  us  sweetly  live, 
Together  let  us  die, 
And  each  a  starry  crown  receive, 
And  reign  in  worlds  on  high." 


CHAPTER    XVII. 

THE  ANJN^UAL  REPORTS,  ETC.,  0.  C.  M.  S 

'HE  annual  reports  made  to  tlie  society  from 
year  to  year  have  usually  been  documents 
of  a  business-like  character. 

In  minuteness  of  detail  they  stand  as  ad- 
mirable representations  of  the  condition  of 
the  society  during  the  years  they  cover.  They  re- 
veal the  facts,  •  pleasant  and  unpleasant  with  re- 
markable candor  and  faithfulness;  and  with  rare 
exceptions,  have  the  opponents  of  the  society  pre- 
sumed to  dispute  the  facts  as  presented  by  the  Board 
of  Managers. 

The  society  is  yet,  not  a  third  of  a  century  old. 
It  dates  its  origin  not  merely  within  the  present  cen- 
tury but  within  the  present  generation.  Of  its  eight 
presidents  only  D.  S.  Burnet  and  R,  R.  Sloan  are 
dead.  Nearly  all  of  its  Corresponding  Secretaries 
are  yet  living  and  with  the  exception  of  A.  S.  Hay- 
den  its  Recording  Secretaries  all  remain  unto  this 
day. 

Beginning  with  1863  the  following  persons  have 
been  in  its  Board  of  Managers,  viz :  J.  P.  Robison, 
J.  H.  Jones,  J.  S.  Benedict,  A.  T.  Hubbell,  H.  Gerould, 
A.  Drake,  Constant  Lake,  J.  M.  Henry,  W.  A.  Beld- 
ing,  C.  B.  Lockwood,  and  John  F.  Rowe. 

319 


320  CHEISTIATT    MISSIONS. 

In  1864  Constant  Lake,  W.  xi.  Belding,  and  H. 
Gerould  were  succeeded  by  E.  H.  Hawley,  Kobert 
Moffett,  and  James  Egbert. 

In  1865  E.  H.  Hawley,  J.  M.  Henry,  and  John  F. 
Rowe,  were  succeeded  by  W.  H.  Lape,  A.  B.  Green, 
and  D.  P.  Mckerson. 

In  1866  Isaac  Errett,  A.  J.  Marvin,  M.  Burt,  E.  S. 
WiUard,  W.  S.  Streator,  and  B.  A.  Hinsdale,  appear 
as  members  of  the  Board. 

In  1867  tbe  Board  remained  unchanged  except 
that  the  name  of  C.  B.  Lockwood  appears  in  the 
place  of  James  Egbert. 

In  1868  there  was  no  change  in  the  Board. 

In  1869  the  name  of  R.  M.  Bishop  is  substituted 
for  that  of  Isaac  Errett 

In  1870  B.  A.  Hinsdale  was  elected  Recording 
Secretary  and  R.  R.  Sloan  took  his  place  on  the 
Board. 

In  1871  R.  M.  Bishop  was  succeeded  by  T.  D. 
Garvin. 

In  1872  no  new  names  were  added  but  Constant 
Lake's  name  appears  in  the  place  of  T.  D.  Garvin, 
and  A.  S.  Hayden  succeeded  M.  Burt. 

In  1873  no  changes  were  reported. 

In  1874  the  Board  of  Managers  was  increased  to 
fifteen  and  the  names  of  H.  C.  White,  Jabez  Hall, 
and  Alanson  Wilcox,  are  found  in  the  list. 

In  1875  the  names  of  William  Baxter  and  Albert 
Allen  of  Cleveland  appear  for  the  first  time. 


ANNUAL   REPORTS,   ETC.,   O.  0.  M.  3  821 

In  1876  the  names  of  Harmon  Austin  and  F.  M. 
Green  are  found  in  the  places  of  William  Baxter 
and  J.  H.  Jones. 

In  1877  the  name  of  Lathrop  Cooley  takes  the 
place  of  E.  S.  Willard. 

In  1878  the  names  of  Albert  Allen  of  Cleveland, 
Harmon  Austin,  and  T.  D.  Garvin  give  way  to  A. 
Teachout,  Wm.  Bowler,  and  Andrew  Squires. 

In  1879  there  were  no  changes. 

In  1880  B.  L.  Pennington,  and  James  T.  Robinson, 
take  the  place  of  J.  P.  Robison  and  A.  B.  Green. 

In  1881  J.  M.  Atwater  became  a  member  of  the 
Board  in  the  place  of  James  T.  Robinson,  and  Y.  A. 
Taylor  in  the  place  of  A.  S.  Hayden. 

In  1882  A,  Teachout  was  made  Treasurer  of  the 
society  and  T.  Ewing  Miller  was  the  new  name  added 
to  the  Board. 

In  1883  the  names  of  B.  S.  Dean,  F.  D.  Prouty, 
Albert  Allen  of  Akron,  and  J.  Q.  Riddle  take  the 
place  of  C.  B.  Lockwood,  William  Bowler,  J.  M, 
Atwater,  and  T.  Ewing  Miller. 

The  present  Board  of  Managers  consists  of  A.  J. 
Marvin,  H.  C.  White,  B.  L.  Pennington,  Lathrop 
Cooley,  W.  S.  Streator,  B.  A.  Hinsdale,  B.  S.  Dean, 
Alanson  Wilcox,  Andrew  Squires,  James  Egbert,  F. 
M.  Green,  V.  A.  Taylor,  F.  D.  Prouty,  Albert  AHen 
of  Akron,  and  J.  Q.  Riddle.  Of  the  members  of  the 
present  Board,  James  Egbert  was  first  elected  in 
1864 ;  A.  J.  Marvin,  B.  A.  Hinsdale,  W.  S.  Streator 
in  1866 ;  H.  C.  White  and  Alanson  Wilcox  in  1874  ; 
F.  M.  Green  in  1876  ;  Lathrop  Cooley  in  1877;  An- 


322  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

drew  Squires  in  1878  ;  B.  L.  Pennington  in  1880 ;  V. 
A.  Taylor  in  1881 ;  and  B.  S.  Dean,  F.  D.  Prouty, 
Albert  Allen,  and  J.  Q.  Riddle  in  1883. 

It  will  be  seen  by  the  foregoing  facts  that  the 
changes  in  the  Board  of  Managers  have  never  been 
abrupt.  But  few  changes  have  been  made  in  any 
one  year.  Enough  changes  have,  however,  been 
made  from  time  to  time  to  preserve  a  fair  equilibrium 
between  the  conservatism  of  age  and  the  enthusiasm 
of  youth. 

The  society  has  been  very  fortunate  in  the  selec- 
tion of  its  Corresponding  Secretaries.  R.  R.  Sloan 
held  the  office  for  eight  years,  and  his  successor 
Robert  Moff'ett  is  the  present  incumbent.  R.  R. 
Sloan  was  elected  in  1861  and  it  is  to  him  the  praise 
is  due  more  than  to  any  other  one  man,  for  the 
society's  present  solidity  and  streng-th.  The  present 
district  system  of  co-operation  as  an  integral  part 
of  the  State  work  is  largely  the  product  of  his  earn- 
est thought  and  untiring  zeal.  The  number  and 
boundaries  of  the  districts  remain  about  as  he  ar- 
ranged them  in  1862.  His  annual  reports  show  the 
clear  brain,  the  unwasting  zeal,  and  the  determined 
purpose  and  bravery  of  the  man. 

The  object  of  the  society  is  clearly  stated  both 
affirmatively  and  negatively,  in  his  annual  reports  ; 
and  the  objections  made  to  it  as  an  agency  for 
preaching  the  word  are  so  well  answered  that  they 
are  worthy  of  thoughtful  and  candid  attention. 

In  1862  he  says :  "The  single  object  of  this  society 
is  to  assist  weak  churches  and  disseminate  the  truth 


ANNUAL   EEPORTS,    ETC.,   0.  C.  M.  8.  323 

in  destitute  regions.  Interference  with  pastoral 
labor  is  not  contemplated.  If  every  clinrcli  has,  as 
it  should  have,  its  regular  pastor,  the  work  in  which 
we  are  engaged  is  still  needed.  We  propose  neither 
to  supply  the  churches  with  regular  preaching,  nor 
to  withdraw  therefrom  men  or  means  needed  or 
advantageously  employed.  In  our  necessity  for 
these  we  have  sought  for  talent  unemployed  and 
means  unappropriated." 

Of  the  district  organizations  he  says :  "  The  ad- 
vantages which  these  organizations  promise  are  an 
increased  sympathy  for  the  mission  work  and 
greater  efficiency  in  the  work.  Hitherto  many  have 
complained  that  the  labor  was  done  and  money 
expended  everywhere  else  than  in  their  vicinity.  This 
plan  brings  the  work  to  every  neighborhood  and 
with  it  the  responsibility.  If  complaints  exist,  the 
sin  lies  at  every  man's  own  door." 

In  1863  he  answered  the  questions,  "  Can  we  not 
dispense  with  the  entire  machinery  ? "  and  "  Cannot 
the  churches  in  their  congregational  capacity,  with- 
out expense,  accomplish  this  work  ?  "  in  this  way : 
"  The  fact  that  all  such  experiments  have  hitherto 
failed,  and  that  under  the  most  favorable  circum- 
stances the  work  has  never  been  done,  is  demonstra- 
tion amply  clear  that  it  never  will  be.  It  is  certainly 
desirable  that  our  expenses  be  reduced  to  the  mini- 
mum sum.  The  Board  have  kept  that  constantly  in 
view." 

The  great  effort  of  the  Board  and  Corresponding 
Secretary  in  1804  was  to  induce  the   churches   to 


324  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

adopt  "  a  plan  of  general  and  regular  contributions, 
to  provide  for  a  steady  and  ever  increasing  influx 
of  funds  into  the  treasury,  and  thus  lay  the  basis 
broad  and  deep,  for  the  ever-growing  usefulness  and 
permanent  prosperity  of  the  society ;  to  educate  the 
brethren  in  systematic  beneficence,  thereby  placing 
our  resources  beyond  the  ebb  and  flow  of  mere 
spontaneity,  and  to  secure  an  active,  reliable  co- 
operancy  in  every  church,  thus  obviating  measura- 
bly the  necessity  of  direct  agency." 

After  presenting  the  statistics  for  the  year  he  adds : 
"  Tables  fall  far  short  of  showing  the  real  good  that 
is  done.  An  incident  related  to  us  strikingly  illus- 
trates this.  In  one  of  our  populous  cities  a  church 
had  contended  long  and  nobly  in  defense  of  the- 
truth.  At  length  it  yielded  to  the  power  of  adverse 
influences,  and  ceased  to  meet.  It  disbanded.  We 
sent  a  missionary  to  revive  it.  The  doors  were 
closed.  A  meeting  was  proposed.  'It  was  no  use,' 
said  they  who  had  been  elders ;  '  we  cannot  sustain 
ourselves,  we  cannot  pay  you.-  '  The  missionary 
society  will  see  to  that,'  said  the  preacher.  '  They 
have  sent  me  here,  I  want  to  hold  a  meeting.'  Con- 
sent was  given  and  the  house  reopened.  That  meet- 
ing rallied  the  church,  developed  her  strength  and 
left  her  under  an  efficient  pastorate.  She  continues 
under  it,  sustains  him  now,  and  within  two  years 
has  expended  thousands  of  dollars  in  refitting  her 
house  of  worship.  In  the  language  of  the  eldership, 
uttered  with  expressive  tenderness  and  tearfnl  eye, 
'  That  efibrt  saved  the  church.'    Our  report  shows 


ANNUAL   EEPORTS,   ETC.,   O.  0.  M.  S.  325 

that  simply  as  a  meeting  of  days,  no  accessions  were 
gained.  It  was  not  the  olbject.  But  the  church  was 
converted  and  is  now  a  beacon  light  in  that  flourish- 
ing city ;  crowded  audiences  wait  regularly  on  the 
ministry  of  the  word,  and  happy  converts  crowd  the 
gates.  "We  shall  need  the  light  and  length  of 
eternity  to  estimate  the  results  of  that  missionary 
meeting." 

Of  revenue  and  how  to  raise  it,  his  report  speaks 
as  follows :  "  In  raising  revenue  we  have  been  prone 
to  overlook  the  power  that  littles  when  accumulated, 
have  to  accomplish  great  results.  'Drops,'  they 
tell  us,  '  make  the  ocean  ; '  but  that  sounds  so  like 
poetry,  that  we  gather  from  it  no  lesson  of  practical 
importance.  We  have  been  seeking  for  men  of  large 
means,  and  relying  on  them  for  large  donations.  It 
is  a  mistake.  A  little  from  the  many,  something 
from  all,  is  the  policy  that  will  succeed.  In  truth 
there  are  very  few  who  have  much  money.  The 
poor  we  know  have  not ;  the  rich  tell  us  they  have 
not.  All  confess  to  having  a  little.  The  rule  of  suc- 
cess then  is  this  :  ask  from  all,  asTc  a  little,  and  ask 
it  often.  This  is  the  divine  rule,  'Upon  the  first 
day  of  the  week  let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him 
in  store  as  God  has  prospered  him.'  Three  striking 
peculiarities  characterize  this  precept:  (1)  The 
universality  of  the  obligation,  'let  every  one.'  (2) 
Its  frequency,  '  upon  the  first  day  of  every  week.' 
(3)  The  duty  is  measured  by  ability,  '  according  as 
God  has  prospered  him.'  Any  financial  scheme 
that  ignores  this  precept  must  be  a  failure.     On 


326  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

the  contrary,  when  the  churches  rightly  educated, 
and  well  trained,  shall  accept  it  as  the  divine 
system,  and  rigidly  adhere  to  it,  mighty  will  be  their 
achievements,  glorious  their  triumphs." 

In  speaking  of  preaching  and  pastoral  labor  he 
says :  "  The  cry  for  more  preachers  and  settled  pas- 
tors salutes  our  ears  on  every  hand.  It  is  not  too  much 
to  claim  that  our  missionary  enterprise  has  contribu- 
ted much  to  this  result.  We  have  labored  for  it. 
Ultimate  success  in  the  cause  lies  in  the  labors  of  an 
efficient  ministry.  The  fact  is  potent,  demonstrated 
by  experience,  that  the  churches  are  prosperous 
where  there  is  preaching ;  in  its  absence  declension 
prevails  everywhere.  Pastoral  labor  is  the  hope  of 
the  church,  evangelization  the  salvation  of  the 
world." 

In  1865  the  Society  received  opposition  on  the 
ground  that  it  might  become  a  tyrant  over  the 
churches.  To  this  the  following  reply  was  made : 
"  Thus  far  have  we  reasoned  on  the  presumption 
that  the  abuse  of  power  in  large  organizations  is 
inevitable.  This  is  not  true.  Sometimes  it  is  inci- 
dent to  them,  but  not  a  necessity.  Sometimes  too, 
it  originates  with  the  church,  not  unfrequently  with 
the  individual.  The  ambitious  leader  is  quite  as 
dangerous  as  the  organized  society.  There  have 
been  other  popes  in  the  world  than  those  which 
councils  have  created,  and  the  tyranny  which  they 
exercised  quite  as  severe  as  that  of  ecclesiastical 
rule.  The  truth  is,  so  long  as  the  church  is  pure, 
there  is  no  danger  from  this  source ;  but  when  it  be- 


ANNUAL   REPOETS,   ETC.,  O.  C.  M.  S.  ij27 

comes  corrupted,  the  fountain  lias  lost  its  purity, 
and  there  are  no  safeguards  on  earth  against  the 
encroachments  of  power.  Ambition  will  assume  an 
unrighteous  sway  and  will  wield  it  as  well  without 
as  with  an  organization." 

In  defining  missionary  work  he  says :  "  It  is  a 
good  work  for  a  preacher  at  the  call  and  expense  of 
a  congregation,  to  protract  a  meeting  but  it  is  not 
in  any  proper  sense  a  missionary  work.  This  is 
calling  in  the  preacher  to  sujDply  our  own  wants. 
The  work  of  missions  sends  him  out  to  supply  the 
wants  of  others  and  may  be  sustained  in  various 
ways ;  (1)  By  individuals.  This  we  designate  mis- 
sionary work  by  individual  enterprise.  (2)  By  a 
church.  This  would  be  classified  under  the  head  of 
congregational  enterprise.  (3)  By  co-operation  of 
chui'ches.  We  have  a  few  congregations  and 
fewer  individuals  who  acting  independently  can  sus- 
tain any  effective  mission.  It  requires  super- 
abounding  grace  to  work  alone  even  in  a  good  cause. 
But  what  we  cannot  do  acting  separately  we  can  and 
will  accomplish  by  combined  action.  *  '^  *  But, 
whichever  method  be  employed  whether  individual, 
congregational,  or  co-operative  eflwrt,  it  is  still  the 
church  that  does  the  work.  It  is  Christ's  work  done 
by  Christ's  people  and  to  Him  be  the  glory  through 
the  church." 

In  1867  and  1868  the  opposition  to  the  society  was 
violent,  though,  as  results  proved,  very  weak,  and  the 
report  says :  "  The  development  of  its  weakness 
demonstrates    even    beyond    our  anticipation    the 


328  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

widely  pervading  and  deeply  seated  missionary 
sentiment  and  sympathy  among  us." 

In  noticing  certain  "  co-operations  "  as  they  were 
called,  which  for  the  time  being  took  the  place  of 
the  district  missionary  society,  the  following  is  the 
language  used:  "These  co-operations  and  the 
society  differ  in  the  following  respects :  (1)  They  last 
only  a  year ;  the  society  looks  to  permanency.  (2) 
They  seek  associated  effort  for  their  own  benefit; 
the  society  employs  it  for  the  benefit  of  others.  (3) 
Though  they  sometimes  aid  the  weak,  their  arrange- 
ments primarily  and  chiefly,  respect  the  able.  In 
one  district  nine  out  of  thirteen  churches  were  em- 
braced in  the  co-operation ;  those  left  out  were  the 
weaker  ones.  The  society,  on  the  contrary,  has 
reference  primarily  to  the  "weak  and  destitute." 
Both  accomplish  a  good  work  —  a  needed  work. 
Both  recognize  and  adopt  Christian  co-operation  as 
a  principle ;  the  one  employs  it  for  the  benefit  of 
the  church ;  the  other  the  world.  In  some  few  local- 
ities the  sentiment  prevails  that  every  congregation 
is  an  independent  missionary  society,  but  instances 
where  this  theory  has  been  put  into  practical  oper- 
ation are  few  and  far  between." 

It  was  during  his  time  of  service  as  Correspond- 
ing Secretary  that  the  fiercest  opposition  in  its  his- 
tory was  manifested  toward  the  society.  Every 
possible  effort  was  made  to  break  it  down;  but  when 
he  surrendered  his  place  to  his  successor  the  victory 
was  complete ;  and  from  1869  to  the  present  time, 
there  has  been,  comparatively  speaking,  no  open 
opposition  to  the  society. 


ANNUAL   REPORTS,   ETC.,  O.  0.  M.  S.  329 

In  view  of  the  developments  of  these  latter  days 
some  of  the  resolutions  offered  by  persons  who  were 
then  members  of  the  society  have  a  unique  appear- 
ance. It  has  been  the  custom  of  the  society  at  its 
annual  meetings  to  invite  by  resolution,  those  who 
are  not  members  of  the  society  to  participate  in  the 
deliberations  of  the  body.  In  1865  John  F.  Rowe 
moved  that,  "  the  chair  be  authorized  to  invite  mem- 
bers from  other  States,  also  brethren  of  other  de- 
nominations to  participate  in  the  deliberations  of 
this  body." 

In  1864  W.  K.  Pendleton  delivered  an  address  to 
the  convention  on  the  proposition, 

^^  Resolved,  that  the  age  demands  an  elevated 
Christian  literature." 

Whereupon,  at  its  conclusion,  John  F.  Rowe 
moved  "  a  vote  of  thanks"  to  Bro.  Pendleton  for  the 
address  just  pronounced;  and  that  we  adopt  the 
resolution  just  discussed  by  him." 

Taking  all  things  together,  though  the  society  has 
had  its  full  share  of  difficulties  to  encounter,  yet  its 
course  has  been  marked  by  success  from  its  organ- 
ization to  the  present  time.  Those  who  were  its 
friends  at  the  beginning,  if  living,  are  with  few  ex- 
ceptions, its  friends  now,  and  there  is  not  a  preacher 
of  any  consequence  in  the  State  of  Ohio  who  would 
risk  his  reputation  for  candor,  or  prospect  of  futui-e 
success  by  opposing  it. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

OTHER  STATE  SOCIETIES. 

'HE  Ohio  Christian  Missionary  Society  of  all 
the  State  Missionary  Societies  organized  at 
an  early  day,  is  the  only  one  that  has  kept 
an  accurate  record  of  its  proceedings  and 
published  them  annually  in  pamphlet  form. 
Other  States  have  published  their  minutes  occasion- 
ally. But  the  following  sketches  of  "other  State 
Societies  "  are  believed  to  be  accurate  so  far  as  they 
go. 

KENTUCKY. 

So  far  as  can  be  learned  the  Disciples  of  Kentucky 
entered  into  an  arrangement  for  missionary  work 
throughout  the  State  about  the  year  1849.  About 
the  same  time,  the  Main  Street  Christian  Church  in 
Lexington  employed  William  Jarrott  to  labor  in 
some  of  the  mountain  counties.  Of  the  early  work 
in  Kentucky  Dr.  J.  G.  Chinn  of  Lexington,  writes 
under  date  of  November  19,  1883,  as  follows  : 

Brother  Green — 

Dear  ^Str  .-—Yours  of  the  16th  inst.,iB  before  me. 
Not  having  kept  the  proceedings  of  the  Missionary  Society  and 
having  to  write  from  memory  I  can  give  you  but  little  inform- 
ation on  the  subject.  I  do  not  recollect  the  first  move  as  to  mis- 
sions in  Kentucky.  But  more  than  thirty  years  ago  the  Main 
Street  Christian  Church  in  this  city  employed  Bro.  Wm.  Jarrott 

330 


OTHER   STATE   SOCIETIES.  331 

for  several  years  at  a  salary  of  $800  a  year  to  labor  in  the  moun- 
tain counties  and  he  reported  annually  conversions  by  the  hun- 
dred but  having  but  few  if  any  churches  to  take  the  oversight 
of  them  the  work  had  to  be  done  over  again  every  year. 

About  this  time  there  was  an  effort  to  organize  the  State  into 
districts  which  was  partially  successful,  and  just  as  the  system 
began  to  work  well  the  plan  was  unfortunately  discontinued 
and  a  financial  agent  was  appointed  at  a  salary  of  $2,000  and 
traveling  expenses  paid.  1  recollect  I  was  the  only  one  that 
opposed  the  change  and  I  am  now  satisfied  that  if  the  district 
system  had  been  continued  the  result  would  have  been  more 
satisfactory.  I  am  glad  the  last  Convention  has  determined 
again  to  district  the  State.  Some  plan  must  be  adopted  to  raise 
money  without  costing  anything. 

I  think  it  a  reproach  to  the  churches  that  a  financial  agent 
has  to  visit  them  to  urge  them  to  do  what  is  their  duty. 
Truly  and  Fraternally  yours, 

J.  G.  Chinn. 

Tn  1859  the  State  Missionary  Society  addressed  a 
letter  througli  John  Rogers  to  the  American  Christian 
Missionary  Society.  In  that  letter  we  find  the  fol- 
lowing language :  "We  have  just  closed  one  of  the 
most  happy  and  triumphant  anniversary  meetings. 
We  have  never  had  such  a  gathering  of  our  people 
in  Kentucky.  There  were  about  fifty  preachers 
present.  The  missionary  year  just  closed  has  been 
one  of  greater  success  and  still  greater  promise  than 
any  previous  one.  Our  evangelists  have  reported 
2,020  converts  for  the  year.  The  amount  paid  them 
by  the  Board  is  $4,728.  The  amount  paid  into 
our  treasury  and  promised  for  the  coming  year  is 
$1,740.25  paid  and  $180  promised,  making  an  ag- 
gregate of  $1,920.25.  This  is  a  larger  sum  than  is 
usually  received  in  the  beginning  of  the  missionary 


332  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

year.  We  have,  therefore,  good  reason  to  thank  God 
and  take  courage.  Our  cause  never  occupied  so 
elevated  and  imposing  a  position,  in  Kentucky,  as  at 
present.  We  think  it  likely  that  the  accessions  to  our 
congregations  in  the  State  have  not  fallen  much  if  any 
short  of  ten  thousand  during  the  past  year.  The  mak- 
ing of  2,020  converts  to  the  caase  of  Christ,  in  the  more 
destitute  portions  of  our  State,  is  a  great  and  glori- 
ious  triumph.  Our  people  are  becoming  more  alive 
to  the  importance  of  the  missionary  work  We  con- 
fidentially trust  a  few  years  more  will  suffice  to  bring 
us  up  to  the  point  of  raising  at  least  $20,000  a  year 
for  the  spread  of  the  gospel  in  our  home  field.  Sup- 
posing that  we  have  60,000  members  in  Kentucky, 
thirty-three  and  one-third  cents  from  each  one  would 
make  that  amount.  And  we  as  confidently  trust 
that  the  same  time  will  prepare  our  people,  and  dis- 
pose them  to  put  into  the  treasury  of  the  American 
Christian  Missionary  Society  at  least  $50,000  a  year. 
Putting  our  numbers  down  at  300,000  sixteen  and 
two-thirds  cents  from  each  member  would  furnish 
that  sum.*' 

In  this  hopeful  strain  did  one  of  the  "fathers" 
write.  In  1861  the  Kentucky  Society  reported  1,831 
additions  to  the  church  "under  the  labors  of  the 
State  evangelist." 

In  1862  on  account  of  the  civil  war  then  raging  the 
society  reported  through  its  President  J.  W.  McGar- 
vey,  that  "  the  receipts  of  our  society  and  the  results 
of  our  missionary  labor  are  meager,  when  compared 
with  those  of  former  years." 


OTHER  STATE  SOCIETIES.  333 

In  1872  the  colored  Disciples  of  Kentucky  organ- 
ized a  State  Society  and  have  held  conventions  an- 
nually since  that  time. 

Thomas  Munnell  the  present  State  evangelist  has 
suggested  that  the  history  of  the  Kentucky  State 
Missionary  Society  may  "be  divided  into  two  chapters, 
(1)  From  its  origin  till  September  1, 1863.  (2)  From 
1863  to  1883.  During  the  tirst  of  these  periods  there 
was  no  State  Evangelist  nor  any  general  oversight 
in  the  iield  of  labor  except  what  the  State  Board  in 
Lexington  could  exercise  without  any  traveling  to 
see  about  their  work. 

They  employed  evangelists  either  known  to  them 
personally  or  recommended  to  them  by  letter.  Great 
disadvantages  attended  this  method,  for  almost  any 
man  could  obtain  recommendations  to  a  Board  and 
yet  be  very  unfit  for  the  work. 

During  this  period  the  missionaries  did  little  else 
than  recruit ;  establish  churches  and  then  leave 
them  without  suJQBlcient  care,  and  seldom  going  back 
to  "  see  how  they  do." 

During  all  these  years  the  average  annual  income 
to  the  Board  may  be  estimated  at  from  $1,500  to 
$2,000  per  year,  and  the  number  of  additions  at 
from  500  to  600  annually.  The  minutes  though 
generally  published  every  year  have  been  lost  and 
little  or  no  exact  documentary  evidence  is  in  reach. 

The  second  period  from  1863  to  1883  has  been 
marked  chiefly  by  having  a  regular  State  Evangel- 
ist with  a  far  more  efficient  management  of  mission- 
ary affairs  in  the  field;    larger  accessions  to  the 


334  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

church ;  much  hirger  development  of  means  to  carry 
on  the  work ;  a  more  careful  selection  of  evangelists, 
and  a  new  and  special  attention  to  the  condition  of 
weak  churches  wherever  evangelists  have  been  sent. 

The  services  of  inefficient  men  have  been  dispensed 
with ;  mere  recruiting  without  proper  attention  to 
the  spiritual  wants  of  needy  churches  has  ever  since 
1803  been  at  a  discount  and  falling  in  value  con- 
tinually until  now  in  1883  no  evangelist  is  sent  out 
by  the  State  Board,  who  is  not  first  instructed  by  the 
State  evangelist  or  some  district  evangelist  of  expe- 
rience, in  aU  the  ins  and  outs  of  the  details  of  setting 
churches  in  order.  This  is  done  by  having  the  new 
evangelist  go  with  an  experienced  one  for  at  least 
ten  days  in  the  actual  business  of  helping  some 
weak  and  disorganized  congregation  into  good  order 
and  active  work,  enabled  thus  to  take,  care  of  them- 
selves. With  a  good  financial  system  established, 
their  officers  well  instructed  in  all  the  details  of  their 
duties,  a  good  and  industrious  preacher  found  for 
them,  the  money  pledged  for  his  support,  a  Sunday- 
school  and  a  prayer  meeting  started,  the  church  reg- 
ister revised,  and  the  condition  of  all  the  members 
looked  into — with  all  these  and  many  more  particu- 
lars inquired  into,  all  hearts  encouraged  and  started 
on  again  hopefully  in  their  religious  life,  the  evangel- 
ist considers  that  he  has  "set  in  order  the  things  that 
are  wanting," 

Between  this  kind  of  work  and  that  of  the  first 
period  may  be  found  the  chief  difference  of  the  two 
phases  of  Kentucky  missions.     The  congregations 


OTHER  STATE  SOCIETIES.  335 

SO  ''set  in  order,"  liave  all  risen  to  a  higher  plane  of 
church  life,  especially  where  the  ministers  could  be 
induced  to  take  an  interest  in  this  business  view  of 
religion,  and  keep  up  the  officers'  meetings,  and  en- 
courage the  officers  to  attend  promptly  to  the 
finances  and  discipline.  The  Kentucky  workers  are 
fully  convinced  that  the  neglect  of  the  business  side 
of  religion  is  the  main  obstacle  to  individual  and 
church  development  and  hence  employ  no  evangelist 
who  is  not  prepared  to  teach  churches,  officers,  and 
inexperienced  ministers  how  to  put  and  to  keep  the 
churches  in  good  working  order. 

Thomas  Munn^U  was  elected  State  Evangelist  Sep- 
tember 1,  1862,  and  the  money  raised  and  expended 
the  fh'st  year  rose  from  $1,500  the  previous  year  to 
about  $6,000  with  a  large  increase  in  additions  to 
the  churches.  In  the  third  year  of  his  administra- 
tion the  receipts  rose  to  $12,000.  When  he  resigned 
in  1868  to  become  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of 
the  General  Christian  Missionary  Convention,  the 
Board  secured  no  State  evangelist  for  two  years, 
after  which  Henry  Pangburn  held  the  position  for 
several  years.  After  he  resigned  Harrison  Turner 
served  for  two  years  and  in  September,  1879,  Thomas 
Munnell,  the  present  incumbent  was  re-elected  to  his 
old  position,  having  so  far  filled  it  now  ten  years  of 
the  twenty  that  have  passed  since  his  first  election. 

At  the  recommendation  of  the  State  Evangelist, 
and  of  the  Board,  the  last  State  Convention  at  Cyn- 
thiana,  in  1883,  unanimously  resolved  to  proceed  at 
once  to  regularly  district  the  State  with  a  view  to 


336  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

the  more  immediate  work  in  and  oversight  of  the 
needy  churches  by  the  brethren  of  the  several 
districts. 

This  marks  another  advance  in  Kentucky  evan- 
gelization by  which  it  is  hoped  in  due  time  to  secure 
proper  ministerial  help  for  all  needy  churches,  and 
enable  the  brethren,  by  regular  reports  from  all  the 
districts,  to  "  know  their  state  and  to  comfort  their 
hearts."  The  beginning  that  has  been  made  in  this 
direction  during  the  last  four  years  has  proved 
highly  satisfactory. 

The  present  method  of  evangelization  and  taking 
care  of  the  destitute  churches  has  resulted  not  only 
in  building  them  up  spiritually,  but  in  developing 
means  among  themselves  for  building  houses  of  wor- 
ship, and  for  every  other  want  of  a  living  church. 
The  money  raised  for  all  mission  uses,  from  all 
sources  in  Kentucky  for  the  year  ending  September 
1st,  1883,  amounted  to  $26,393.12  and  the  chief  items 
in  the  work  performed  the  same  year  are  as  follows : 

Number  of  days  labor  in  the  field 1830 

"        "    sermons 2507 

"        "    religious  visits 1791 

"        *'    additions  to  the  church 1093 

"        "    churches  adopting  a  good  financial  sys- 
tem  47 

"        "    members  disciplined    in  the  churches 

"set  in  order" 285 

"        "    churches  assisted 162 

"        "    preachers  located  in  needy  churches. 32 

"        "    officers  ordained 83 

"        "    officers'  meetings  organized  for  church 
business 57 


OTHER  STATE  SOCIETIES.  337 

Number  of  meetings  held  by  evangelists  with  offi- 
cers  243 

"        "    hours  spent  in  them 341 

"        "    weekly  meetings  organized 32 

"        "    Sunday-schools 52 

Money  raised  on  the  field  for  home  use $13,297.00 

Total  money  raised  for  all  missionary  uses. $26,393.12 

This  table  in  other  years  may  give  an  insight  into 
the  every- day  workings  of  the  Kentucky  Evangelis- 
tic system. 

Though  having  no  accurate  account  of  money 
raised  in  the  State  for  missionary  purposes  from 
the  beginning,  yet  from  what  sources  of  information 
we  have,  it  would  not  be  safe  to  put  the  amount 
below  $200,000. 

In  the  absence  of  permanent  records,  it  is  difficult 
to  call  the  roll  of  the  earlier  workers  in  the  Kentucky 
State  Society  with  either  fullness  or  accuracy ;  but 
the  following  persons  were  among  those  prominent 
in  its  early  management:  John  T.  Johnson,  John 
Smith,  William  Morton,  George  W.  Elley,  Dr.  J.  G. 
Chinn,  John  Rogers,  Samuel  Rogers,  Aylette  Raines, 
Dr.  Adams,  R.  C.  Ricketts.  Phil.  S.  Fall.  L.  L.  Pink- 
erton,  John  I.  Rogers,  William  Pinkerton,  Z.  F. 
Smith,  and  W.  F.  Patterson. 

Among  the  later  workers  most  prominent  may  be 
named  Thomas  Munnell,  J.  W.  McGarvey,  Robert 
Graham,  M.  E.  Lard,  Henry  Pangburn,  Harrison 
Turner,  J.  C.  Walden,  Jesse  Walden,  J.  B.  McGinn, 
R.  A.  Hopper,  W.  T.  Tibbs,  F.  G.  AUen,  I.  B.  Grubbs, 
Robert  Milligan,  W.  H.  Hopson,  C.  K.  Marshall,  S. 
P.  Lucy,  S.  W.  Crutcher,  W.  S.  Gibson,  J.  W.  Cren- 

22 


338  CHRISTIAN  jnSSIONS. 

shaw,  A.  T.  Hobbs,  J.  W.  Higbee,  Ben.  C.  Deweese, 
B.  F.  Clay,  C.  C,  Cline,  P.  H.  Duncan,  George  Darsie, 
B.  B.  Tyler,  W.  F.  Cowden,  J.  S.  Sliouse,  John 
Shackleford,  S.  M.  Jefferson,  J.  C.  TiiUy,  and  J.  B. 
Briney. 

In  closing  his  report  to  the  State  Convention  for 
1883  Thomas  Munnell  called  direct  attention  to  what 
had  been  done  during  the  year  by  himself  and  his 
associates  and  then  said : 

"The  good  that  has  been  done  for  the  above  named 
churches  the  last  twelve  months  ought  to  be  extended 
to  all  like  congregations  in  the  State.  Other  officers 
need  the  same  instructions  as  these;  other  back- 
sliders need  to  be  looked  after  and  restored ;  others 
need  houses  of  worship,  Sunday-schools  and  prayer- 
meetings,  for  many  other  hands  hang  down,  many 
other  knees  are  feeble,  and  other  sinners  are  to  be 
converted.  Moreover  these  same  churches,  already 
re-established,  need  to  be  seen  once  and  again  to 
steady  them,  to  re-instruct  and  re-assure  them.  Our 
labors  ought  to  be  extended  to  all  parts  of  the  State 
where  we  are  needed,  and  the  counties  where  we 
have  few  or  no  churches  ought  to  be  evangelized. 
In  brief,  our  work  must  be  greatly  extended  and 
systematized  beyond  the  counties  already  helped, 
for  a  divine  ambition  cannot  be  satisfied  with  our 
present  rate  of  getting  over  the  Phrygias,  Galatias 
and  Dalmatias  in  Kentucky. 

"We  must  not  only  lay  our  plans  to  reach  all  the 
needy  territory,  but  to  hold  all  we  gain. 


.      OTHER  STATE  SOCIETIES.  339 

When  we  set  a  churcli  or  a  comity-full  of  them  in 
order,  we  must  leave  with  them  the  agencies  that 
will  not  only  keep  them  so,  but  grow  them  in  greater 
efl&ciency  every  year.  As  it  is  now,  there  is  no 
organization  of  evangelistic  labor  that  insures  the 
care  and  continued  success  of  those  we  have  started, 
for  the  harvest  is  so  great  and  the  laborers  so  few, 
that  we  either  have  no  time  to  go  back  and  "  see 
how  they  do,"  or  else  have  little  or  no  time  to  break 
new  ground  and  to  hear  the  cries  of  want  in  coun- 
ties adjacent  to  those  that  have  been  helped.  What 
then  is  to  be  done? 

It  is  proposed  to  divide  all  missionary  territory 
into  regular  districts,  of  suitable  size,  and  put  into 
each  one  of  them  an  Evangelist: — wise,  pious  and 
enterprising — ^whose  place  is  to  be  kept  filled  as 
continuously  and  as  regularly  as  that  of  an  elder. 
Let  him  help  every  church  into  good  order;  get 
them  to  pay  their  local  preachers ;  let  him  establish 
weekly  meetings,  which  shall  consist  of  Sunday- 
schools  made  up  of  members  of  the  church  as  well 
as  children ;  let  him  instruct  the  officers  in  all  finan- 
cial, disciplinary  and  pastoral  cares  of  the  flock; 
let  him  teach  every  member  the  duty  of  giving  both 
for  home  and  mission  work ;  let  him  establish  county 
and  district  mass  meetings  in  the  interest  of  both 
church  and  Sunday-schools  ;  gather  statistics  ;  and 
let  him  stay  there,  and  be  as  much  of  a  fixture  from 
year  to  year  as  the  elders  in  the  churches  are,  for 
when  he  retires  they  all  begin  to  fail.  K  this  course 
be  adopted  and  carried  out,  he  will  soon  become  a 


340  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

power  for  good  in  the  district  in  every  way,  pro- 
vided he  "be  a  true  man  of  God.  Then  our  State 
Conventions  would  have  reports  from  every  district 
in  the  State,  and  the  Board  would  know  where  and 
how  hest  to  appropriate  their  funds. 

The  main  problem  to  solve  is  How  to  support 
these  District  Evangelists ;  "but  it  can  be  done  by 
the  api)ropriation  of  a  small  amount  from  the  Treas- 
ury to  each  district,  and  by  raising  the  balance  of 
the  Evangelist's  support  from  the  field.  Without 
going  into  details  as  to  the  manner  of  raising  this 
part  of  the  funds,  suffice  it  to  say  that  we  can 
easily  adopt  the  means  of  having  every  member  in 
the  district  solicited  for  a  donation  in  this  work, 
without  spending  the  Evangelist's  time  to  do  it, 
further  than  to  superintend  it ;  and  if  means  cannot 
be  raised  for  all  his  time,  half  of  it  will  do  for  a 
start.  With  such  an  Evangelist,  well  instructed  in 
the  mysteries  of  business  details,  before  he  enters 
upon  his  work,  this  part  of  the  money  we  think 
could  be  raised.  And  this  disorder  of  giving  noth- 
ing for  religious  purposes  is  one  of  the  main  things 
to  be  set  in  order.  It  is  vain  to  expect  churches 
to  grow  in  grace  and  be  living  workers  in  the  vine- 
yard, if  they  give  nothing,  as  has  been  proved  a 
tliousand  times.  We  must  cease  to  look  to  the 
richer  churches  for  all  our  missionary  funds — cease 
this  for  two  reasons :  first,  because  they  cannot  pay 
all  we  need ;  and  second,  because  the  poorer  churches 
must  begin  to  give  if  we  are  to  do  any  real  good 
among  them.    Therefore  this  State-wide  Evangelistic 


OTHER  STATE  SOCIETIES.  341 

labor,  in  systematic  co-operation  with  the  State  Board, 
is  indispensable  to  the  success  of  our  cause  in  Ken- 
tucky. 

With  this  kind  of  labor  before  us,  we  see  that  we 
do  not  need  unpaid  secretaries  in  the  districts  to  do 
the  correspondence  merely,  and  perhaps  hold  a  few 
protracted  meetings  in  the  year  without  setting  any- 
thing in  order ;  but  we  want  Evangelists,  Tituses,  in 
the  truest  sense  of  the  word,  who  will  go  with  tender 
hearts  into  all  the  nooks  and  corners  of  their  respect- 
ive territories,  to  find  out  their  wants,  to  enter  into 
their  troubles,  to  "  comfort  the  feeble-minded,  and 
to  support  the  weak,  with  patience  towards  all  men." 
And  this  work  is  needed  in  all  the  States  ;  in  some 
more,  in  some  less.  All  the  States  have  many  as 
good  congregations  as  can  be  found  in  America.  We 
have  them  in  Kentucky,  but  we  are  aiming  in  our 
State  to  solve  the  problem  of  having  a  care  of  all 
the  needy  churches;  and  we  believe  that  push, 
patience  and  prayer  will  in  a  few  years  make  all  our 
future  plain. 

The  only  reason  we  have  not  organized  with  per- 
manent districts  years  ago,  is  that  we  saw  no  way 
of  supporting  Evangelists  in  them ;  but  while  experi- 
menting these  four  years  in  the  work  of  setting 
churches  in  order,  this  difl3.culty  seems  ready  to 
yield  to  persistent  effort,  for  we  see  not  only  that  a 
part  of  our  work  is  to  make  them  contributors  to 
our  work,  but  think  we  see  also  how  we  can  accom- 
plish this  end  so  neccessary  for  their  own  good. 


342  CHEISTIAN   MISSIOTTS. 

"We  need  no  cumbersome  district  Boards,  as  our 
Evangelists  will  far  more  promptly  make  all  reports 
to  the  State  Board  than  any  one  else.  Our  mass- 
meetings  in  every  county  will  be  for  preaching, 
prayer  and  singing,  and  for  stirring  up  a  general 
enthusiasm  in  the  work  of  the  Lord.  The  churches 
need  this  mutual  stimiilus,  and  need  to  feel  that  they 
are  not  little,  lonely  bodies,  away  off  from  them- 
selves, without  another  to  care  for  them ;  but  that 
they  belong  to  a  strong  bod}^ — a  brotherhood  that 
cares  for  them,  prays  for  them,  and  labors  with 
them ;  and  this  help  they  cannot  realize  vdthout  the 
divinely  appointed  ministry  that  helped  sucli  Chris- 
tians in  apostolic  times. 

Human  wants  are  the  same  in  all  ages,  under  the 
same  circumstances.  K  sinners  and  weak  churches 
needed  Evangelists  in  early  times,  they  need  them 
still  and  ever  will.  If  their  officers  needed  help ; 
if  the  strong  had  a  care  for  the  weak  they  should 
have  the  same  to-day.  The  apostles  could  not  ste- 
reotype their  churches,  in  perfection  for  all  ages 
before  they  died.  They  could  no  more  do  all  the 
future  Titus  work  than  they  could  do  all  the  baptiz- 
ing for  all  time  to  come.  If  the  wants  are  the  same, 
the  divinely  appointed  agencies  to  meet  these  wants 
must  be  the  same  also." 

The  Disciples  in  Kentucky  have  a  brilliant  future 
before  them  if  their  strong  men  will  help  their  hard- 
working and  patient  State  Evangelist  and  his  asso- 
ciates to  "  set  in  order  the  things  that  are  wanting  " 
in  the  large  membership  of  the  State. 


OTHEE  STATE  SOCIETIES.  343 

INDIANA. 

The  Indiana  State  Missionary  Society  is  one  of  the 
oldest  of  the  State  Societies.  It  is  quite  probable 
that  it  is  the  oldest. 

Dr.  R.  T.  Brown  of  Indianapolis  in  response  to 
an  inquiry  under  date  of  December  8, 1883,  writes  as 
follows:  "The  earliest  missionary  work  systemat- 
ically done  in  Indiana  was  by  a  co-operation  of  five 
churches  located  in  Eush  and  Fayette  counties, 
which  met  at  Little  Flat  Eock  Church  at  the  call  of 
Elder  John  P.  Thompson  on  the  first  Lord's  day  in 
May,  1833,  and  sent  out  John  O'Kane  as  a  mission- 
ary to  labor  in  Indiana.  After  one  year  of  success- 
ful work,  the  co-operation  dissolved. 

In  June,  1839,  a  State  meeting  convened  in  Indian- 
apolis and  sent  out  a  circular  to  the  churches  in 
the  State,  urging  the  necessity  of  missionary  work 
in  the  destitute  parts  of  the  State.  In  June,  1842,  the 
State  meeting  convened  in  Connersville  and  divided 
the  State  into  four  missionary  districts,  and  ap- 
pointed an  evangelist  to  labor  in  each  —  to  ascertain 
the  location  of  churches,  number  of  members,  date 
of  organization,  names  and  addresses  of  elders,  etc., 
and  to  collect  or  obtain  pledges  for  missionary  funds. 

Three  of  the  missionaries  discontinued  the  work 
at  the  end  of  three  months.  I,  alone,  continued  to  the 
end  of  the  year,  and  made  a  full  report  of  the 
churches  in  the  southeast  quarter,  but  raised  only 
$150,  and  it  was  all  I  got  for  the  year's  work.  No 
further  general  missionary  work  was  attempted  in 


344  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

the  State  till  the  year  of  the  organization  of  the 
"  American  Christian  Missionary  Society." 

The  "A.  C.  M.  Society"  was  organized  in  1849. 
To  the  first  meeting  which  convened  in  Cincinnati, 
John  O'Kane  presented  in  behalf  of  his  brethren  in 
Indiana  "a  fraternal  epistle"  in  which  the  following 
language  is  used:  "We  feel  deeply  interested, 
brethren,  on  the  subject  of  evangelical  operations  ; 
and  we  feel  satisfied  that  we  ought  to  form  a  regu- 
larly organized  missionary  society,  for  the  purpose 
of  sending  the  gospel  in  the  hands  of  a  living  minis- 
try, to  all  the  destitute,  uncultivated  portions  of  the 
Lord's  great  field,  which  he  declares  is  the  world. 
*  *  *  *  Knowing  that  much  remains  to  be  done 
in  this  State,  and  believing  that  we  can  perform  a 
portion  of  this  good  work,  through  the  medium  of 
a  home  missionary  society,  we  have,  with  great 
unanimity,  succeeded  in  forming  a  society  for  the 
purpose  of  sustaining  a  proclamation  of  the  gospel 
among  the  destitute  in  the  State  of  Indiana.  We  are 
pleased  to  be  able  to  inform  you,  dear  brethren,  that 
this  has  been  the  most  interesting  annual  meeting 
we  ever  held.  We  have  continued  our  deliberations 
longer,  and  investigated  more  subjects  than  at  any 
previous  meeting,  and  during  all  our  discussions  the 
most  unfeigned  brotherly  love  has  prevailed." 

The  progress  of  the  society  has  been  quite  uneven. 
Some  years  most  excellent  work  was  done  with  good 
success,  while  in  other  years  scarcely  anything  was 
accomplished.  The  report  of  the  society  for  1883 
indicated  some  positive  signs  of  returning  life  and 


OTHER  STATE  SOCIETIES.  345 

vigor.  The  estimated  aggregate  receipts  of  tlie 
society  for  all  missionary  purposes  since  the  first 
movement  toward  organization  are  $275,000. 

ILLINOIS. 

The  Illinois  Christian  Missionary  Society  was  first 
organized  in  1856. 

In  1860  John  T.  Jones  as  delegate  to  the  American 
Christian  Missionary  Society  reported  as  follows  to 
that  body  :  "  The  society  was  organized  in  the  year 
1856,  with  a  special  reference  to  the  vast  territory 
embraced  in  the  prairie  State,  which  aflbrds  as  fine 
a  field  for  missionary  effort  as  any  part  of  the  great 
Mississippi  Valley.  The  brethren,  no  doubt,  organ- 
ized too  many  congregations  for  their  preaching 
force ;  consequently,  a  very  large  proportion  of  them 
are  destitute  of  preaching,  and  in  a  languishing  con- 
dition. The  means  secured  for  missionary  purposes 
have  been  very  limited,  but  a  vigorous  effort  is  now 
being  made  to  raise  a  fund  to  be  appropriated  to 
missonary  work. 

So  far  as  an  estimate  can  be  made  from  present 
data,  we  must  have  an  aggregate  membership  of 
about  40,000.  The  brethren  have  kept  up  annual 
meetings  since  1832,  but  the  machinery  proved  too 
ponderous  for  practical  purposes,  and  resulted  in  a 
new  organization  at  the  time  before  mentioned.  *  * 
*  *  *  There  is  now  but  feeble  opposition  to  co- 
operation and  that  is  likely  to  disappear  entirely. 

It  is  diflficult  to  keep  any  machinery  in  operation 
without  some  screws  becoming  loose  and  retarding 


346  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

its  movement.  But  we  hope  "by  the  blessing  of  onr 
Heavenly  Father,  and  your  prayers,  to  repair  all 
damages  in  our  religious  machinery,  and  get  under 
full  headway  upon  the  gospel  track,  regardless  of 
all  obstructions  that  may  be  thrown  in  our  way  by 
false  brethren  or  sectarian  bigotry." 

The  Illinois  State  Society  has  never  been  remarka- 
ble for  the  great  things  it  has  done.  It  has  been 
remarkable  for  a  comparatively  even  course  on  a 
very  moderate  scale.  Its  present  State  Board  and 
Evangelist  are  "striving  together "  to  win   success. 

In  his  report  for  1883  'N.  S.  Haynes,  the  present 
able  and  untiring  State  Evangelist  produces  the  fol- 
fowing  facts : 

"A  determined  effort  has  been  made  during  the  last 
three  months  to  secure  fuller  and  more  accurate  re- 
ports from  all  our  churches  throughout  the  State,  than 
at  any  previous  time  obtained,  that  the  same  might 
become  a  part  of  our  history,  besides  being  useful 
for  purposes  of  comparison ;  but  the  effort  has  failed. 
This  is  regretted,  since  it  deprives  us  of  such  desira- 
ble information,  but  chiefly  because  it  indicates  a 
deplorable  lack  of  interest  in  the  systematic  work  of 
the  churches,  or  poor  methods,  or  no  methods,  of 
local  management.  One  year  ago  the  number  of 
our  churches  was  set  down  at  611.  The  present 
number  is  not  far  from  that.  Reports  have  been  re- 
ceived from  200,  from  which  the  following  aggregates 
are  derived :  Additions  by  conversion,  1,663 ;  others, 
1,359;  total,  3,022;  paid  for  ministerial  labor,  $55,493; 


OTHER  STATE  SOCIETIES.  347 

for  incidentals,  $10,822;  fifty  of  the  200  report  $2,144 
paid  for  home  missions  —  county,  district,  State,  or 
general;  sixty-two  of  them  report  $1,594  paid  to 
foreign  missions ;  forty  have  contributed  to  both 
home  and  foreign  missions ;  ninety  have  pastoral 
care,  and  six  have  parsonages.  From  his  knowledge 
of  the  field,  your  evangelist  would  say  that  these 
data  represent  about  one-Tialf  of  the  results  of  our 
church  work  in  the  State  during  the  last  year.  The 
following  are  the  approximate  total  aggregates  (the 
Lord  speed  the  day  when  we  shall  be  done  with 
"  approximates  "  and  "  estimates  " ) :  Additions  by 
conversion,  3,326 ;  other,  2,718 ;  total,  6,044 ;  for  min- 
isterial support,  $110,986 ;  for  incidentals,  $21,644 ; 
for  missions,  home  and  foreign,  $7,476.  Our  mem- 
bership in  the  State  may  be  safely  placed  at  50,000. 
With  these  data  you  can  reach  your  own  conclusions 
as  to  per  centages,  per  capitas,  liberality,  etc.  Not 
more  than  100  —  if  indeed  that  many  —  of  our 
churches  contribute  anything  whatever  to  any  kind 
of  mission  work.  That  means  that  a  large  per  cent, 
of  the  other  500  are  to-day  most  certainly  on  the 
road  to  ultimate  extinction ;  for  the  King  commands 
his  subjects  to  preach  the  gospel  in  aU  the  world  to 
every  creature.  Disobedience  to  this  fundamental 
law  of  His  Kingdom  is  disloyalty,  and  disloyalty  is 
death. 

Of  the  200  responding  churches,  150  report  Sunday- 
schools  under  their  direction,  with  1,231  teachers 
and  officers,  10,926  pupils,  and  as  having  raised 
$6,410  for  their  own  support. 


348  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

During  the  year  twenty-six  cliurclies  have  con- 
ferred with  your  evangelist  in  regard  to  settled  min- 
isters, six  of  which  have  been  supplied  upon  his 
introduction  and  recommendation. 

Of  our  churches  generally,  it  may  be  said  that, 
the  stronger  are  now  more  generally  supplied  with  an 
efficient  ministry  than  at  any  time,  perhaps,  during 
the  last  decade.  The  first  great  need  of  the  weaker 
is  local  co-operation,  those  that  are  contiguous  unit- 
ing to  sustain  godly  shepherds  who  shall  devote  all 
their  time  and  energies  in  the  service  of  such  con- 
gregations.    They  must  combine  or  die." 

It  is  estimated  from  all  accessible  data  that  the 
aggregate  amount  of  money  raised  by  the  State 
Society  from  the  beginning,  for  all  kinds  of  mission- 
ary work  would  not  fall  below  $150,000. 

NEW  YOEK. 

The  New  York  Christian  Missionary  Society  was 
organized  in  1861,  and  legally  incorporated  October 
1, 1878.  The  society  has  always  been  active  though 
it  has  not  a  large  constituancy  on  which  to  depend, 
the  total  number  of  Disciples  in  the  State  not  exceed- 
ing seven  or  eight  thousand.  But  the  society  is  in 
good  condition  and  for  its  means  doing  a  good  work. 

Its  estimated  aggregate  receipts  for  all  home  mis- 
sions from  the  beginning  is  $35,000. 

IOWA. 

The  Iowa  Christian  Convention  was  organized  in 
1869  and  legally  incorporated  in  1873. 


OTHER  STATE  SOCIETIES.  349 

The  society  has  shown  vigor  and  strength  since  its 
organization  and  its  present  condition  is  excellent. 
By  a  reference  to  its  constitution  it  will  be  found 
that  its  object  includes  educational  matters  as  well 
as  the  proclamation  of  the  Gospel. 

Its  estimated  aggregate  receipts  from  the  begin- 
ning are  more  than  $25,000. 

MICHIGAN. 

The  Michigan  Christian  Missionary  Association 
was  organized  in  1868.  The  present  condition  of  the 
society  is  excellent. 

The  estimated  aggregate  receipts  for  missionary 
purposes,  from  the  beginning  are  above  $15,000. 

MISSOUEI. 

The  Missouri  Christian  Missionary  Society,  or 
Christian  Convention  of  Missouri  as  it  is  now  called 
was  organized  in  1866.  Its  present  constitution  was 
adopted  in  1882.  The  society  is  in  a  prosperous 
condition  and  continually  increasing  its  power  for 
usefulness. 

The  estimated  aggregate  receipts  for  missions 
since  its  organization  are  $55,000. 

WEST  VIEGESIA. 

The  Christian  Missionary  Convention  of  West 
Virginia  was  organized  in  1870.  The  present  Con- 
stitution was  adopted  in  1881. 


350  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

The  following  historic  sketch  is  substantially  as 
prepared  by  A.  E.  Myers  the  President  of  the  society 
at  the  i)resent  time :  Soon  after  churches  were  planted 
in  Washington  County,  Pennsylvania;  in  Brooke 
County,  Yirginia — now  West  Virginia ;  and  in  the 
bordering  counties  of  Ohio,  by  the  labors  of  Thomas 
and  Alexander  Campbell,  Walter  Scott,  and  others ; 
co-operations  for  the  spread  of  the  Gospel,  and  for 
the  unity  of  God's  people  in  all  Christian  work  of  a 
general  character,  were  established  among  these 
congregations  without  any  respect  to  state  lines, 
and  continued  with  more  or  less  regularity  in  their 
annual  meetings  up  to  the  year  1869.  The  same 
also  was  true  of  the  churches  found  in  what  are  now 
called  the  second  and  tliird  districts  of  West  Vir- 
ginia. These  co-operative  efforts  of  the  brethren  did 
much  good  and  many  souls  were  added  to  the  saved. 

During  the  civil  war  portions  of  West  Virginia, 
co-operated  with  the  Western  Pennsylvania  Mission 
Society,  and  something  was  done  in  this  united 
effort  in  each  of  the  States.  So  early  as  the  year 
1851  A.  E.  Myers  went  with  Alexander  Campbell  to 
the  Pennsylvania  State  meeting  held  that  year  at 
Somerset.  Alexander  Campbell  was  always  ready 
to  encourage  and  help  forward  these  combined 
efforts,  in  all  the  region  wherein  Bethany  was  a 
center,  as  well  as  in  the  wider  field  of  the  nation 
and  the  world ;  and  this  he  did  till  the  close  of  his 
eventful  life. 

But  it  was  not  until  the  spring  of  1869  at  a  dis- 
cussion   between  the  Universalists   and  Disciples 


OTHER  STATE   SOCIETIES.  351 

held  at  Cameron,  Marshall  County — J.  S.  Sweeney 
and  Mr.  Bacon  being  the  disputants — that  any  effort 
was  made  to  unite  all  the  churches  in  the  State  in 
one  system  of  co-operative  missionary  work.  During 
this  discussion  the  matter  was  talked  over  by  the 
Evangelists  and  leading  brethren  present,  and  a 
committee  consisting  of  Daniel  Sweeney,  David 
Anguish,  and  A.  E.  Myers,  was  appointed  to  prepare 
and  send  a  circular  to  all  the  known  churches  in  the 
State,  inviting  them  to  meet  that  fall  by  delegates 
for  consultation  upon  that  subject. 

In  harmony  with  this  agreement  the  following  cir- 
cular was  sent  out : 

TO  THE  CHURCHES  OF  CHRIST  THROUGHOUT  WEST 
VIRGINIA. 

Dear  Brethren  :  After  considerable  consultation  with  differ- 
ent brethren  from  various  portions  of  the  State,  it  has  been 
thought  best  to  call  a  convention  of  the  churches  of  Christ  in 
West  Virginia,  to  take  into  consideration  the  general  interests 
of  the  church  in  the  State,  to  become  more  intimately 
acquainted  with  each  other  and  the  wants  of  the  cause  of 
Christ  in  our  respective  communities,  and,  if  thought  advis- 
able, to  arrange  for  a  more  general  and  efficient  co-operative 
missionary  effort  throughout  the  whole  State. 

The  Church  is  said  to  be  the  pillar  and  support  of  the  truth, 
and  we  are  admonished  to  contend  earnestly  for  the  faith  form- 
erly delivered  to  the  saints.  Let  us  then,  as  our  great  apostle 
commands,  "learn  to  maintain  good  works  for  necessary  uses, 
that  we  be  not  unfruitful ; "  ever  remembering  that  we  have 
been  bought  with  a  price,  and  should  therefore  glorify  God  in 
our  bodies  and  spirits  which  are  the  Lord's,  and  "  sound  out 
the  Gospel  into  the  regions  beyond."  We  ask  therefore  every 
congregation  of  the  Disciples  of  Christ  in  the  State,  and  com- 


352  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

munities  of  brethren  where  churches  have  not  yet  been  organ- 
ized, to  meet  us  by  letter  or  delegates, — and  the  latter  is  much 
to  be  preferred, — that  we  may  have  your  counsel,  on  Friday  the 
tenth  (10)  day  of  September  next,  at  ten  o'clock  A.  M.,  with  the 
Buffalo  congregation,  in  Tyler  County,  five  miles  from  Sisters- 
ville.  We  propose  to  have  a  suitable  discourse  on  that  day,  at 
eleven  o'clock.  We  should  like  for  the  reports  from  the 
churches  to  embrace  the  Name  of  the  Congregation,  Names 
of  the  Officers,  the  Post  Office  address,  the  Number  of  mem- 
bers, the  Preacher's  name  if  any,  the  amount  contributed  the 
last  year  for  religious  purposes,  whether  there  is  a  Sunday- 
school  or  Bible-class,  and  what  you  propose  doing  the  coming 
year,  etc.,  etc. 

We  hope  that  every  brother  who  labors  in  word  and  doctrine  in 
the  State,  will  feel  sufficient  interest  in  the  advancement  of  the 
Master's  cause  to  be  present  and  give  us  his  advice,  counsel  and 
hearty  co-operation  in  this  good  work.  "Blessed  is  that  serv- 
ant, whom  his  Lord,  when  he  cometh,  shall  find  so  doing." 
Come  up  then  brethren,  to  the  feast,  and  let  us  have  a  joyful 
time  before  the  Lord.  The  church  there  extends  a  hearty  in- 
vitation to  all  the  saints.  We  expect  to  have  several  of  our 
ablest  men  with  us  on  the  occasion. 

DANIEL  SWEENEY,  l 
DAVID  ANGUISH,      [  Committee. 
A.  E.  MYERS,  I 

May  15th,  1869. 

In  tlie  first  annual  report  of  the  Board  in  1871  the 
following  language  occurs : 

"We  have  met  here  in  the  First  Annual  Christian 
Missionary  Convention  of  the  State  ever  held  in 
West  Virginia.  All  other  State  meetings  of  our 
people  were  initiatory  in  the  work  of  missions.  The 
first  of  these  was  held  with  the  Little  Bufialo  con- 
gregation, in  Tyler  County,  on  the  tenth  of  Septem- 
ber, 1869,  in  obedience  to  a  call  made  through  a 
circular  sent  to  all  the  known  churches  in  the  State, 


OTHER  STATE   SOCIETIES.  353 

signed  by  A.  E.  Myers,  Daniel  Sweeney  and  David 
Anguish,  during  the  summer  of  that  year.  At  this 
meeting  two  steps  were  taken  toward  a  united  and 
permanent  State  organization  for  the  spread  of  the 
Gospel  of  Christ.  First,  a  State  Committee  was, 
after  considerable  deliberation,  appointed,  consist- 
ing of  President  W.  K.  Pendleton,  A.  E.  Myers, 
Daniel  Sweeney,  David  Anguish,  and  E.  Doolittle, 
to  take  such  steps  as  they  in  their  judgment  might 
think  best  preparatory  to  a  State  organization,  and 
to  call  a  Convention  at  such  time  and  place  as  to 
them  might  seem  advisable  in  the  premises.  Second, 
A.  E.  Myers  was  appointed  as  the  State  delegate  to 
represent  the  Churches  in  the  General  Convention  to 
assemble  in  Louisville,  Kentucky,  in  the  following 
October,  and  to  meet  the  Committee  of  Twenty,  who 
had,  at  a  previous  meeting  in  the  month  of  May,  held 
in  the  city  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  been  appointed  to 
arrange  a  convenient  and  scriptural  plan  for  uniting 
the  energies  and  means  of  all  our  brethren  in  the 
great  work  of  converting  the  world  to  Christ. 

Thus,  at  this  meeting  in  1869,  was  the  founda- 
tion for  a  State  organization,  and  a  co-operation  with 
the  General  Society  laid;  but  as  the  number  of  dele- 
gates from  other  portions  of  the  State  outside  of  that 
district,  was  small,  it  was  not  thought  advisable  to 
enter  into  any  organization.  Previous  to  this,  some 
churches  in  the  State  had  co-operated  with  the 
Pennsylvania  Mssionary  Society.  The  delegate  that 
was  appointed  to  attend  the  Louisville  meeting,  and 
meet  with  the  Committee  of  Twenty  to  arrange  a 

23 


354  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

plan  for  missionary  work  in  which  all  might  engage 
together  in  spreading  the  gospel,  did  so,  and  we  are 
happy  in  saying  that  the  plan  then  arranged  and 
adopted  by  the  almost  unanimous  vote  of  one  of  the 
largest  conventions  of  our  people  ever  held  in 
America,  has  met  with  very  general  favor,  having 
been  adopted  by  some  eighteen  of  the  States,  em- 
bracing very  nearly  every  one  that  has  any  State 
organization. 

After  this  plan  was  so  unanimously  adopted  at  the 
Louisville  meeting,  and  the  way  so  providentially 
opened  for  a  united  effort  to  evangelize  the  world, 
your  Committee  of  five  appointed  to  prepare  for  a 
more  permanent  State  organization,  and  to  call  a 
State  meeting  for  that  purpose,  issued  circulars  call- 
ing a  State  convention  in  the  city  of  Wheeling,  to 
meet  on  the  10th  of  May,  1870,  and  sent  them  to  all 
the  churches  then  known  in  the  State.  At  this  meeting 
though  not  large,  the  ablest  and  most  active  brethren 
in  all  noble  enterprises  in  the  Sta.te  were  convened ; 
and  after  a  prayerful  and  careful  examination  into 
the  wants  of  our  State,  and  the  probable  adapted- 
ness  of  the  Louisville  Plan — as  it  has  been  called — to 
our  wants,  merely  as  a  plan  by  which  to  work  to- 
gether in  preaching  Christ,  a  State  organization  was 
formed  under  the  title  of  the  "  Christian  Missionary 
Convention  of  West  Virginia,"  and  the  Louisville 
Plan  adopted.  W.  K.  Pendleton  was  chosen  Presi- 
dent, and  A.  E.  Myers  Corresponding  Secretary." 

Efforts  were  at  once  made  to  enlist  the  energies 
and  means  of  each  disciple  in  the  State  in  this  good 


OTHER   STATE   SOCIETIES.  355 

work,  and  a  system  of  annual  installments  running 
for  five  years  was  introduced,  so  as  to  enable  all  to 
do  something  regularly,  as  they  might  elect,  and  at 
once  become  the  basis  of  permanent  evangelic  work 
in  the  State.  The  plan  was  quite  acceptable  to  the 
disciples,  securing  as  it  did  to  them  their  full  liberty 
of  saying  individually  what  they  would  give  annu- 
ally for  this  purpose,  and  how  it  should  be  used  in 
the  district.  State,  or  general  work. 

All  was  done  in  harmony,  love,  and  confidence  and 
the  saints  everywhere  felt  encouraged  and  hopeful 
of  a  glorious  victory  in  the  "Mountain  State "  for 
Christ. 

Many  of  the  evangelists  and  elders  in  different 
portions  of  the  State  were  actively  engaged  in  ex- 
panding the  liberality  of  the  brethren  for  this  pur- 
pose, and  a  considerable  amount  had  been  secured  by 
pledges  for  preaching  the  gospel  in  the  State  and 
elsewhere. 

But  an  evil  day  came,  and  the  hearts  of  the  peo- 
ple, as  in  the  case  of  old  Israel,  turned  back  to  the 
flesh-pots  of  selfishness  and  evil  surmisings  and 
refused  to  pay  their  subscriptions.  In  less  than  two 
years  "men  arose  speaking  perverse  things,  to  draw 
away  disciples  after  them"  as  Paul  had  said  would 
occur,  (Acts  20  :  30)  and  in  the  fourth  annual  report 
of  the  Board  in  1875  we  find  this  statement :  "From 
the  commencement  of  our  missionary  efibrt  in  the 
State,  we  have  had  before  us  one  leading  object, viz: 
To  unite  all  of  our  people  in  one  grand  and  glorious 
effort  to  save  souls.    We  then  believed,  and  we  still 


356  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

believe,  that  all  who  really  have  in  them  the  spirit 
of  the  living  God,  will,  so  soon  as  they  fully  realize 
our  object,  and  learn  their  own  duty,  heartily  co- 
operate in  a  work  so  much  in  harmony  with  the  mem- 
orable prayer  of  Jesus,  in  the  seventeenth  chapter  of 
John,  and  with  the  spirit  of  the  New  Testament.  To 
effect  this  union,  we  had  at  an  early  day,  our  Cor- 
responding Secretary  issue  a  circular  addressed  "  To 
the  Disciples  of  Christ  in  West  Virginia." 

After  the  issuing  of  this  circular,  an  attempt  was 
made  to  secure  pledges  from  individual  members  of 
the  church,  running  for  five  years,  to  be  paid  in  an- 
nual installments.  A  goodly  sum  was  thus  pledged 
and  a  general  disposition  among  the  brethren  was 
manifested  for  united  co-operative  la])or.  But  before 
we  had  half  completed  this  effort  in  our  State,  a 
suspicion  was  thrown  over  the  whole  missionary 
effort  of  our  people,  by  some  of  our  religious  papers. 
Owing  to  this  and  some  other  influences,  it  has  been 
thought  best  to  wait  and  see  if  these  evils  will  not 
correct  themselves ;  feeling  certain  that  after  the 
storm  has  passed  over  we  shall  have  a  calm,  and 
that  the  sober  second  thought  of  the  people  will 
return.  We  have  not,  therefore,  been  making  any 
very  great  effort  for  the  last  two  years,  either  to  col- 
lect these  pledges,  or  secure  new  ones." 

These  extracts  from  the  published  proceedings  of 
the  convention,  give  some  idea  of  the  effort  made  in 
the  State,  and  the  evils  that  retard  the  the  good  work. 

From  1875  until  the  annual  convention  in  1881, 
held  in  Bethany,  while  the  regular  annual  meetings 


OTHER   STATE   SOCIETIES.  357 

of  the  convention  were  held,  but  little  was  done  by 
the  State  Board,  the  means  at  their  command  being 
quite  limited. 

W.  K.  Pendleton  remained  the  President  and  A.  E. 
Myers,  Corresponding  Secretary  up  to  that  date.  The 
most  of  the  districts  have  kept  up  their  regular 
annual  meetings,  and  have  been  doing  something 
in  spreading  the  gospel  and  in  edifying  the 
churches. 

In  1881  the  convention  was  remodeled  so  far  as  to 
admit  Life  Members  and  Life  Directors  with  the 
delegates  from  churches  and  the  districts,  with  a 
regular  constitution  for  the  society.  As  a  result  of 
this  change,  an  evangelist  has  been  kept  in  the  field 
for  one-half  of  the  time,  and  the  prospects  at  present 
are  that  in  addition  to  this  the  society  will  be  able 
to  employ  the  labors  of  one  or  two  other  evangelists 
a  portion  of  their  time.  The  outlook  for  this  united 
effort  to  evangelize  the  State,  is  better  than  for  many 
years.  Many  of  the  Disciples  are  beginning  to  feel 
that  it  is  a  duty  they  owe  to  God,  to  the  church,  to 
the  world,  to  make  some  sacrifice  for  the  salvation 
of  precious  souls  in  destitute  regions.  Until  the  Dis- 
ciples can  be  led  to  realize  that  it  is  their  duty 
before  God  to  engage  in  these  united  efforts  to  save 
men,  but  little  comparatively  can  be  accomplished 
by  the  church.  How  long  must  we  pray  and  labor 
and  wait. 

The  estimated  receipts  for  missionary  work  in  the 
State  since  the  first  organization  of  the  State  society 
are  $15,000. 


358  CHRISTIAN    MISSION'S. 

NORTH   CAROLINA. 

The  Chris tian  Missionary  Convention  of  North 
Carolina  was  formally  organized  in  OctolDer,  1883. 
There  had  been  annual  conferences  of  the  Disciples 
in  the  State  for  several  years  before,  which  had 
done  something  to  preach  the  gospel  throughout  the 
State,  more  especially  in  the  eastern  portion  of  it. 
The  new  society  starts  off  with  good  prospects. 

GEORGIA. 

A  convention  of  the  churches  of  Christ  in  G-eorgia 
was  first  held  in  1879.  Since  this,  annual  meetings 
have  been  held.  The  convention  has  no  formal  con- 
stitution. Its  annual  meetings  have  been  profitable 
and  under  the  direction  of  J.  S.  Lamar,  Stat«  Evan- 
gelist, the  society  did  good  work  in  1882.  The  esti- 
mated aggregate  receipts  for  missions  since  the 
organization  was  first  efi'ected  are  $4,500. 

ARKANSAS. 

The  Arkansas  Christian  Missionary  Convention 
was  organized  in  January,  1883,  at  Little  Rock.  It 
held  its  second  annual  meeting  at  Russellville  in 
January,  1884.  C.  E.  Gillespie  and  J.  C.  Mason 
were  employed  as  evangelists  by  the  society  for  the 
first  year,  and  their  labors  resulted  in  over  100  addi- 
tions to  the  church,  besides  much  good  in  other  direc- 
tions. At  the  meeting  at  Little  Rock  in  1883  Isaac 
Errett,  J.  H.  Garrison,  and  F.  M.  Green  were  present 


OTHER  STATE  SOCIETIES.  359 

and  aided  in  the  organization  of  the  society.  The 
attendance  at  that  meeting  was  not  large,  but  every 
action  was  taken  in  entire  harmony.  At  the  meeting 
in  Russellville  the  attendance  was  twice  as  large  as 
it  was  in  1883.  T.  D.  Garvin,  from  Ohio,  was  present 
at  this  meeting. 

The  outlook  for  the  society  is  very  encouraging. 
The  total  amount  in  cash  and  pledges  raised  for  the 
year  1883-84  is  $3,500. 

ISTEBEASKA. 

The  Nebraska  Christian  Missionary  Society  was 
organized  in  1868.  Its  progress  has  been  steady  and 
its  present  condition  is  excellent.  During  all  the 
years  since  its  organization  it  has  had  but  one 
Corresponding  Secretary,  R.  C.  Barrow,  of  Tecumseh. 
Its  estimated  aggregate  receipts  for  State  missions 
since  its  organization  are  $15,000. 

PENlSrSYLVAlSnA. 

The  present  Christian  Missionary  Society  of  Penn- 
sylvania was  organized  in  1882.  For  many  years 
before  1869  a  State  meeting  had  been  held,  which 
was  of  more  or  less  valne  to  the  churches  of  the 
State.  Under  the  "Louisville  Plan"  the  State 
society  was  reorganized,  but  very  little  was  accom- 
plished by  it.  The  progress  of  missionary  work  in 
Pennsylvania  has  been  very  uneven.  The  present 
society  starts  off  vigorously  and  promise^  success. 


3G0  CITRISTIAlSr  MISSION'S. 

No  specific  data  has  been  furnislied  from  wMch  to 
estimate  tlie  aggregate  receipts  for  State  missions, 
but  tlie  amount  is  not  below  $10,000. 

WISCONSIN. 

The  Wisconsin  State  Missionary  Society  was  or- 
ganized in  1880,  and  since  that  time  a  State  evangel- 
ist has  been  employed  a  large  part  of  the  time. 
The  General  Christian  Missionary  Convention  has 
assisted  in  sustaining  the  State  evangelist.  The 
estimated  aggregate  receipts  for  State  missions  are 
$3,000. 

TEXAS. 

This  State  has  a  very  simple  form  of  co-operation 
under  which  some  work  in  the  State  is  being  carried 
on.  In  1883,  about  $1,000  was  raised  for  State  mis- 
sions. The  State  is  yet  in  the  extreme  childhood 
of  mission  work  but  the  prospects  are  hopeful  for 
better  days  and  better  work. 

SOUTH  OAEOLDTA. 

In  this  State  the  co-operation  for  State  work  is 
very  simple,  but  some  good  work  is  being  accom- 
plished by  it.  It  has  raised  and  expended  for  State 
missions,  since  the  organization  of  the  society  was 
effected  in  1879,  not  less  than  $1,500. 

VIEGESriA. 

The  Yirginia  Christian  Missionary  Society  was 
organized  in  October,  1876,  and  has  held  annual 


OTHER  STATE   SOCIETIES.  361 

meetings  since  that  time.  The  society  is  legally 
incorporated  by  special  act  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  State  of  Virginia.  Previous  to  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  present  State  society,  State  meetings  had 
been  held,  though  with  but  little  efficiency  or  regu- 
larity. It  will  be  noticed  by  reference  to  the  consti- 
tution of  the  society  that  it  provides  for  Life  Direc- 
tors and  Life  Members,  or  for  what  has  been  termed 
the  "  money  basis  of  membership."  In  answering 
objections  to  this  method,  John  B.  Gary  in  his  report 
as  Gorresponding  Secretary  for  1877,  says :  "  This 
principle  was  recognized  in  the  very  incipiency  of 
this  "Reformation,"  in  the  celebrated  "Declaration 
and  address  "  from  the  pen  of  father  Thomas  Gamp- 
bell,  which  was  proclaimed  to  the  world  in  1809 — 
forty  years  exactly  before  the  existence  of  the 
society  of  which  the  more  famous  son  was  the  hon- 
ored president.  This  paper  will  be  found  reported 
somewhat  at  length  on  pages  242  and  following  in 
Dr. Richardson's  "Memoirs  of  Alexander  Camp- 
bell," and  embodies  the  following  articles : 

(1)  "  That  we  form  ourselves  into  a  religious  asso- 
ciation under  the  denomination  of  the  Christian 
Association  of  Washington,  etc." 

(2)  That  each  member  subscribe  a  specified  sum, 
for  the  purpose  of  raising  a  fund  for  the  support  of 
the  Gospel  ministry."      ****** 

(6)  That  a  standing  Committee  of  twenty-one 
members  be  chosen  annually  to  transact  the  business 
of  the  society." 


362  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

"  Now,"  says  the  report,  "  in  what  respect  does 
the  Yirginia  Christian  Missionary  Society"  differ 
from  the  "  Christian  Association  of  Washington " 
except  in  mere  matters  of  detail ;  and  who  shall  say 
that  the  former  is  an  "  innovation  "upon  established 
precedents,  or  a  "  departure "  from  scriptural  pre- 
cept? Each  organization  recognizes  the  voluntary 
principle,  the  money  basis,  and  the  existence  of  a 
"  standing  committee,"  or  a  "  Board  of  Managers," 
"  to  transact  the  business  of  the  society ;  only  that 
and  nothing  more." 

The  condition  of  the  Virginia  society  is  good  at 
present  and  its  influence  is  continually  enlarging. 

Its  receipts  from  all  sources  since  its  present 
organization  are  not  less  than  $5,000 

COLOEADO. 

The  Colorado  Christian  Missionary  Society  was 
organized  in  1882.  Considerable  work  has  been  ac- 
complished during  the  year  1883,  and  the  society  is 
in  good  condition.  The  amount  of  money  raised  for 
State  Missions  is  $1,200. 

MAEYLAND. 

The  Christian  Missionary  Society  of  Maryland  and 
the  District  of  Columbia  was  organized  in  1877.  Its 
sixth  annual  meeting  was  held  at  Rockville,  Mary- 
land, in  October,  1883.  The  number  of  disciples 
represented  by  the  co-operation  is  not  large  but  they 
unite  in  missionary  work  with  great  heartiness  and 


OTHER  STATE  SOCIETIES.  363 

unanimity.    The  aggregate  receipts  for  the  work  of 
the  society  since  its  organization  are  $2,500. 

OREGON. 

The  State  co-operation  in  Oregon  is  quite  simple 
and  has  produced  some  good  results.  It  was  organ- 
ized in  1879.  H.  T.  Morrison  is  State  Evangelist  at 
the  present  time.  The  estimated  aggregate  receipts 
for  State  work  are  $2,000. 

CALIFORiaA. 

The  California  co-operation  was  effected  in  1876. 
Its  vitality  has  not  been  remarkaMe  but  its  con- 
dition at  the  present  time  is  the  best  in  its  history. 
R.  L.  McHatton  is  the  active  and  efficient  State  Evan- 
gelist. The  estimated  aggregate  receipts  for  State 
work  are  not  less  than  $3,500. 

KANSAS. 

The  present  co-operation  in  Kansas  was  formally 
organized  in  1883,  during  which  year  the  society  was 
also  legally  incorporated.  The  society  is  in  good 
condition.  The  estimated  aggregate  receipts  for 
State  Missions  since  1870  are  $4,500. 

GENERAL  CHRISTIAN   (COLORED)    MISSIONARY 
CONVENTION. 

The  General  Christian  Missionary  Convention  for 
the  colored  Disciples  of  Christ  was  organized  in 


364  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Octo"ber  24, 1878,  with  Rufus  Con- 
rod,  President,  and  A.  W.  Redd,  Secretary. 

The  meeting  at  Cincinnati  appointed  a  committee 
on  "  Newspaper  Correspondence  "  which  resulted  in 
securing  a  column  in  the  Christian  Standard  edited 
by  Preston  Taylor  which  has  been  of  great  value  to 
the  colored  Disciples. 

Alexander  Campbell  was  sent  out  as  an  evangelist 
for  a  short  time  or  until  the  limited  means  supplied 
were  exhausted. 

The  second  meeting  was  held  at  Nashville,  Ten- 
nessee, in  November,  1879,  with  H.  M.  Ayers  as 
President  and  A.  W.  Redd,  Secretary.  This  meeting 
was  largely  attended  and  great  interest  manifested 
in  missionary  work  among  the  colored  people. 
Leroy  Redd  was  set  apart  for  the  work  of  general 
evangelist  and  was  kept  in  the  field  during  the  year 
with  good  results.  During  that  year  the  meeting 
house  at  Lawrenceburg,  Kentucky,  was  built,  and 
other  missionary  fields  visited  by  the  evangelist. 
About  five  hundred  dollars  was  raised  for  missions 
from  among  the  colored  Disciples,  and  quite  a  num- 
ber of  additions  were  gained  to  the  church. 

In  1880  the  Convention  met  at  Glasgow,  Kentucky, 
but  the  meeting  was  small  and  but  little  was  done, 
except  to  agree  to  hold  biennial  instead  of  annual 
meetings.  The  next  meeting  was  held  in  Indianap- 
olis in  October,  1882.  This  was  a  large  and  enthu- 
siastic meeting  which  resulted  in  putting  Preston 
Taylor  into  the  field  as  a  general  evangelist  for  the 
year  ending  October,  1883.  His  labors  were  very 
successful  as  will  be  seen  by  his  report  as  follows : 


OTHER  STATE   SOCIETIES.  365 

"  By  invitation  of  Bro.  H.  D.  Clark,  of  Baltimore, 
Md.,  I  went  to  that  city  last  January  and  labored 
one  month.  Thirty-one  intelligent  and  devoted  men 
and  women  came  out  from  the  Baptist  Church  and 
united  with  our  brethren,  and  during  the  meeting 
thirteen  were  added  to  the  church.  They  at  once 
pledged  six  hundred  dollars  to  support  a  minister. 
I  secured  for  them  Bro.  D.  R.  Wilkins,  of  Kentucky, 
who  has  added  great  strength  to  the  congregation. 
The  white  brethren  gave  them  the  use  of  a  handsome 
brick  church,  well  furnished.  Our  cause  is  now  well 
established  in  that  great  city  of  400,000  people.  We 
also  organized  a  Sunday-school,  and  a  Woman's 
Board  of  Missions. 

Through  the  solicitation  of  Mrs.  Clara  Schell,  I 
stopped  over  in  Washington  City  and  visited 
her  mission  Sunday-school.  The  white  brethren 
were  actively  engaged  in  teaching  an  average  of  100 
colored  people.  If  they  could  be  aided  in  securing 
a  good  house,  there  would  be  no  trouble  in  building 
up  a  good  congregation  there. 

I  stopped  over  in  Cincinnati  and  preached  for 
the  Harrison  Street  Church  several  days.  I  found 
them  without  a  preacher  and  secured  $300  in  pledges 
for  a  minister,  and  sent  Bro.  Joseph  L.  Lipscomb, 
who  has  proved  a  blessing  to  them. 

I  was  then  invited  to  Lockland,  Ohio,  and  found 
the  congregation  in  a  desolate  condition,  and  set 
things  in  order,  and  had  their  promise  to  raise  $300 
to  support  a  minister.  Bro.  J.  W.  Dorsey,  of  Ken- 
tucky, is  now  located  with  them,  and  the  work  is 


366  CHEISTIAN   MISSIOTfS. 

proving  satisfactory.  On  my  way  South,  I  stopped 
over  in  Lexington.  Bro.  H.  M,  Ayres  had  worked 
up  a  large  meeting,  and  on  Lord's  day,  February  4, 
a  number  of  the  ministers  from  the  adjoining  towns 
and  a  few  of  the  brethren  were  present.  We  raised 
about  $100  for  church  work. 

Li  Louisville  the  two  congregations  have  been 
considerably  divided.  I  spent  a  week  with  them 
and  effected  a  union.  I  spent  one  Sunday  with  the 
Paducah  church.  I  went  then  to  Memphis,  Tenn.  I 
found  the  little  band  of  disciples  disorganized  and 
without  any  hopes  of  future  work ;  but  after  three 
months  of  hard  work  among  them,  visiting  from 
house  to  house,  and  preaching  to  them  daily,  the 
Lord  built  them  up  and  added  to  their  number.  Ire- 
organized  with  thirty-two  souls,  and  among  them  are 
men  and  women  of  great  influence  and  some  wealth. 
New  ofiicers  were  selected  and  ordained.  A  Sunday- 
school  and  a  Christian  Woman's  Board  of  Missions 
was  organized,  and  everyone  put  to  work.  We 
then  found  ourselves  without  a  comfortable  place  to 
worship  in.  But  the  Presbyterians  had  for  sale,  at 
$2,500,  a  church  edifice  on  Vance  Street.  The  lot  is 
70x90,  with  a  gothic  frame  house  on  it  38x63,  all  in 
good  repair.  We  at  once  determined  to  buy  it.  The 
colored  brethren  raised  $500;  Bro.  S.  C.  Toof  gave 
$500;  Bro.  Tom  Gale,  $250;  T.  J.  Latham,  $250;  Dr. 
Porter,  $100  ;  Postmaster  Smith,  $20,  and  the  Gen- 
eral Board  contributed  to  the  mission  $200,  making 
in  all  $1,820;  and  we  at  once  remodeled  and  repaired 
it,  and  on  the  fifth  Sunday  in  August  we  dedicated 


OTHER   STATE   SOCIETIES.  367 

the  house.  Bro.  Alex.  Campbell,  late  of  Xenia,  O., 
has  been  placed  in  charge  of  them,  and  the  work  is 
moving  on  grandly. 

I  delivered  the  dedicatorial  sermon  at  the  Law- 
renceburg  chui'ch,  and  raised  eighty  dollars  on 
the  church  debt,  and  eleven  were  added  to  the 
congregation. 

At  Richmond  I  dedicated  the  new  church,  and  $115 
was  raised  to  liquidate  the  debt  on  the  house. 

For  the  past  three  weeks  I  have  been  engaged  in 
canvassing  for  money,  and  subscriptions  for  the  es- 
tablishing of  a  Bible  college  in  Mt.  Sterling  for  the 
education  of  young  men  for  the  ministry.  One 
thousand  dollars  has  been  secured  to  date  for  that 
work,  and  some  fifteen  or  twenty  students  are  ex- 
pected to  enter  this  school  the  first  Monday  in 
November. 

SUMMARY. 

Number  of  days  in  the  field, 180 

Public  meetings  held 138 

Eeligious  visits 833 

Baptisms 25 

Other  additions  (principally  from  denomina- 
tions)    32 

Preachers  located 6 

Officers  ordained 7 

Officers'  meetings  organized 5 

Sunday-schools  organized 3 

Christian  Woman's  Board  of  Missions  organ- 
ized   4 

Churches  organized 1 

Churches  assisted 8 

Meetings  held  with  officers 21 

Hours  spent  with  the  officers 23 


368  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

Money  pledged  for  pastors $1,600 

Money  raised  for  churches 2,200 

Subscriptions  and  cash  for  college 1,000 

Total $4,800 

Collected  for  my  remuneration $131  41 

Traveling  expenses 136  60 

The  meeting  at  Indianapolis  decided  to  hold  a 
meeting  in  1883.  This  meeting  was  held  at  Hanni- 
bal, Missouri,  with  Preston  Taylor  as  President,  and 
was  full  of  vigor  and  the  promise  of  great  usefulness. 

The  society  has  raised  and  expended  not  less  than 
$2,500  for  general  missions  since  its  organization. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

COJN'STITUTIONS   OF  MISSIONARY 
SOCIETIES. 

Constitutions  of  the  various  Missionary- 
Societies,  State  and  general,  usually  repre- 
sent the  prevailing  sentiment,  at  the  time  of 
their  adoption,  among  those  who  desire  to 
co-operate  as  widely  as  possible  for  mission- 
ary work.  The  Constitution  of  the  American 
Christian  Missionary  Society  as  adopted  at  the 
organization  of  the  society  in  1849  is  given  with  the 
present  Constitutions,  Foreign,  General,  Christian 
Woman's  Board  of  Missions,  and  State  so  far  as 
could  be  obtained.  Where  the  society  is  incorpor- 
ated that  fact  is  stated ;  also  the  time  at  which  it 
was  incorporated  when  known.  Particular  atten- 
tion is  directed  to  the  object  of  each  society  as  ex- 
pressed in  its  Constitution,  and  the  basis  or  terms 
of  membership  in  each.  The  Constitutions  are  not 
creeds  to  be  believed  on  pain  of  damnation,  but 
business  methods  of  co-operation  which  may  prop- 
erly be  changed  when  necessity  arises. 

24  369 


370  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

CONSTITUTION 

OF    THE 

American  Christian  Missionary  Society. 

(Adopted  October  26,  1849.) 
(The  Society  was  incorporated  according  to  the  laws  of  Ohio  in  1850.) 

Article  I.  This  society  shall  be  called  the  "Ameri- 
can Christian  Missionary  Society." 

Art.  n.  The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  pro- 
mote the  preaching  of  the  gospel  in  destitute  places 
of  this  and  other  lands. 

Art.  ni.  The  society  shall  be  composed  of  annual 
delegates,  Life  Members,  and  Life  Directors.  Any 
church  or  Missionary  Society  may  appoint  a  dele- 
gate for  an  annual  contribution  of  ten  dollars. 
Twenty  dollars  paid  in  at  one  time,  shall  be 
requisite  to  constitute  a  member  for  life,  and  one 
hundred  dollars  paid  at  one  time,  or  a  sum  which  in 
addition  to  any  previous  contribution  shall  amount 
to  one  hundred  dollars,  shall  be  required  to  consti- 
tute a  Director  for  life. 

Art.  rV.  The  officers  of  the  society  shall  consist 
of  a  President,  twenty  Vice-Presidents,  a  Treasurer, 
a  Corresponding  Secretary,  and  a  Recording  Secre- 
tary, who  shall  be  elected  by  the  members  of  the 
society  at  its  annual  meeting. 

Art.  V.  The  society  shall  also  annually  elect 
twenty -five  managers,  who  together  with  the  officers 
and  Life  Directors  of  the  society,  shall  constitute  an 
Executive  Board,  to  conduct  the  business  of  the 
society,  and  shall  continue  in  office  until  their  sue- 


CONSTITUTIONS.  371 

cessors  are  elected ;  seven  of  whom  shall  constitute 
a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

Aet.  YI.  Two  of  the  Yice-Presidents,  the  Treas- 
urer, the  Secretaries,  and  at  least  fifteen  of  the  man- 
agers, shall  reside  in  Cincinnati  or  its  vicinity. 

Aet.  YII.  The  Executive  Board  shall  have  power 
to  appoint  its  own  meetings ;  elect  its  own  chair- 
man; enact  its  own  by-laws  and  rules  of  order; 
provided,  always,  that  they  be  not  inconsistent  with 
the  Constitution ;  fill  any  vacancies  which  may  occur 
in  their  own  body,  or  in  the  officers  of  the  society 
during  the  year ;  and  if  deemed  necessary  by  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  present  at  a  regular  meeting, 
convene  special  meetings  of  the  society.  They  shall 
establish  such  agencies  as  the  interests  of  the  society 
may  require,  appoint  agents  and  missionaries,  fix 
their  compensation,  direct  and  instruct  them  concern- 
ing their  particular  fields  and  labors,  make  all  appro- 
priations to  be  paid  out  of  the  treasury,  and  present 
to  the  society  at  each  annual  meeting,  a  full  report  of 
their  proceedings  during  the  past  year. 

Aet.  Yin.  All  moneys  or  other  property  con- 
tributed, and  designated  for  any  particular  mission- 
ary field,  shall  be  so  appropriated,  or  returned  to 
the  donors,  or  their  lawful  agents. 

AuT.  IX.  The  Treasurer  shall  give  bonds  to  such 
an  amount  as  the  Executive  Board  shall  think  proper. 

Aet.  X.  All  the  officers,  managers,  missionaries 
and  agents  of  the  society,  shall  be  members  in  good 
standing  in  the  churches  of  God. 


372  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

Art.  XI.  The  annual  meeting  shall  be  held  in 
Cincinnati  on  the  Wednesday  after  the  third  Lord's 
day  in  October,  or  at  such  other  time  and  place  as 
shaU  have  been  designated  by  a  previous  annual 
meeting. 

Art.  XII.  No  person  shall  receive  an  appointment 
from  the  Executive  Board  unless  he  shaU  give  satis- 
factory evidence  of  his  Christian  character  and  quali- 
fication. 

Art.  Xm.  No  alteration  of  this  Constitution  shall 
be  made  without  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 
present  at  an  annual  meeting,  nor  unless  the  same 
shall  have  been  proposed  at  a  previous  annual  meet- 
ing, or  recommonded  by  the  Executive  Board. 


constitution 

OF  THK 

General  Christian  Missionary  Convention. 

(Adopted  October,  1869.) 
ARTICLE  I. 

This  organization  shaU  be  called  the  "General 
Christian  Missionary  Convention."  ^ 

ARTICLE  II. 

Its  object  shall  be  the  spread  of  the  Gospel  in  this 
and  other  lands,  ascording  to  the  following  plan  of 
church  co-operation. 

•  The  General  Christian  Missionary  Conrention  is  the  legal  successor  of  the 
American  Christian  Missionary  Society. 


CONSTITUTIONS.  373 

Section  1.  (a)  There  shall  be  a  General  Board  and 
Corresponding  Secretary. 

(b)  A  Board  and  Corresponding  Secretary  for  each 
State  to  co-operate  with  the  General  Board. 

(c)  District  Boards  in  each  State,  and  a  Secretary 
in  each  district,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  visit  all 
the  churches  in  his  district  in  order  to  induce  them 
to  accept  the  missionary  work  as  a  part  of  their 
Christian  duty. 

Sec.  2.  There  shall  be  an  annual  Convention  in 
each  district,  the  business  of  which  shall  be  trans- 
acted by  messengers  appointed  by  the  churches  ;  an 
annual  Convention  in  each  State,  the  business  of 
which  shall  be  conducted  by  messengers  sent  from 
the  churches  of  the  State,  it  being  understood,  how- 
ever, that  two  or  more  churches  or  all  the  churches 
of  a  district  may  be  represented  by  messengers 
mutually  agreed  upon ;  and  an  annual  General  Con- 
vention, the  business  of  which  shall  be  conducted 
by  messengers  from  the  State  Conventions. 

Sec.  3.  The  General  Convention  shall  annually  ap- 
point nine  brethren,  who,  together  with  the  Corres- 
ponding Secretaries  of  the  States  and  the  Presidents 
of  the  State  Boards,  shall  constitute  a  General  Board, 
who  shall  meet  annually  to  transact  the  general  mis- 
sionary business,  and  appoint  a  committee  of  five  to 
superintend  the  work  in  the  intervals  between  their 
annual  meetings. 

Sec.  4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Board 
and  Corresponding  Secretary,  to  provide  for  and 
superintend    missionary    operations    in    destitute 


374  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

places  not  actually  in  State  and  district  organiza- 
tions, and  to  promote  the  harmonious  co-operation 
of  all  the  State  and  District  Boards  and  Conven- 
tions. 

Seo.  5.  There  shall  be  also  a  State  Board  and 
Corresponding  Secretary  in  each  of  the  States,  elected 
annually  by  the  messengers  sent  to  the  State  Con- 
vention, and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  said  Boards  and 
Secretaries  to  manage  the  missionary  interests  in 
their  respective  States  in  harmony  with  the  system 
of  general  co-operation. 

Sec.  6.  Each  State  shall  be  divided  into  districts 
of  suitable  limits  by  the  State  Board ;  the  messen- 
gers from  the  churches  of  each  district  shall  elect, 
at  their  Annual  Conventions,  a  Board  and  a  Secre- 
tary ;  and  the  business  of  each  Secretary  shall  be  to 
visit  all  the  churches  in  his  district,  and  in  co-oper- 
ation with  their  own  officers,  induce  them  to  contrib- 
ute and  send  to  the  District  Treasurer  money  for  the 
support  of  missions. 

Sec.  7.  Each  church,  over  and  above  the  sums  it 
may  contribute  for  missionary  work  under  its  im- 
mediate control,  shall  give  a  pledge  to  pay  annually 
to  its  District  Treasurer  a  definite  sum  for  other  mis- 
sionary work,  and  that  one-half  of  such  contributions 
may  be  under  the  control  of  the  District  Boards  for 
missionary  work  in  the  districts,  the  other  half  to  be 
sent  to  the  State  Board,  to  be  divided  equally 
between  it  and  the  General  Board  for  their  respect- 
ive works ;  but  this  recommendation  is  not  to  be 


CONSTITUTIONS.  375 

considered  as  precluding  a  different  disposition  of 
funds  when  the  church  contributing  shall  so  decide. 

Sec.  8.  The  churches  shall  send  reports  to  the  Dis- 
trict Boards  in  time  for  the  District  Conventions ;  the 
districts  shall  send  up  reports  to  the  State  Boards  in 
time  for  the  State  Conventions,  and  the  State  Boards 
shall  send  up  reports  to  the  General  Board  in  time 
for  the  General  Convention,  so  that  a  report  of  all 
our  missionary  operations  may  appear  in  the  Min- 
utes of  the  General  Convention. 

Sec.  9.  Each  State  Convention  shall  be  entitled  to 
two  delegates  in  the  General  Convention,  and  to  one 
additional  delegate  for  every  five  thousand  Disciples 
in  the  State. 

AETICLE   III. 

The  officers  of  this  Convention  shall  consist  of  a 
President,  three  Vice-Presidents,  a  Corresponding 
Secretary,  a  Treasurer,  an  Auditor,  and  three  Record- 
ing Secretaries,  who  shall  be  chosen  annually,  and 
shall  continue  in  office  till  their  successors  are  elected. 

AETICLE  IV. 

The  Treasurer  shall  be  required  to  give  bonds  for 
such  an  amount  as  the  Committee  of  Five  may  de- 
termine. 

AETICLE  V. 

Seven  members  of  the  Board  shall  constitute  a 
quorum.  The  Committee  of  Five  shall  live  in  or 
near  Cincinnati. 


376  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

All  Life  Directors  and  Life  Meml>ers  of  the  A.  C. 
M.  Society,  shall  be  members  of  this  Convention. 

ARTICLE  vn. 

The  annual  meetings  of  this  Convention  shall  be 
held  in  Cincinnati  on  Thursday,  at  2  p.  m.,  after  the 
third  Lord's  Day  in  October,  or  at  such  other  time 
and  place  as  shall  have  been  designated  at  a  pre- 
vious meeting. 

ARTICLE  vm. 

This  Constitution  may  be  altered  or  amended  by 
a  two-thirds  vote  at  any  regular  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vention. But  a  year's  notice  of  said  change  must 
be  given,  unless  it  is  recommended  by  the  Board. 


CONSTITUTION 

OP    THE 

General  Christian  Missionary  Convention. 

(Adopted  in  1881.) 

Article  I.  This  organization  shall  be  called  the 
"  General  Christian  Missionary  Convention." 

Art.  II.  Its  object  shall  be  the  spread  of  the  gos- 
pel in  this  and  in  other  lands. 

Art.  ni.  Its  membership  shall  consist  of  Life 
Directors,  Life  Members,  Annual  Members,  Dele- 


CONSTITUTIONS.  377 

gates  from  Cimrclies  of  Christ,  and  Delegates  from 
States,  as  follows,  viz :  Any  member  of  the  Cliurcli 
of  Christ  may  become  a  Life  Director  of  this  Con- 
vention and  a  member  of  the  General  Board,  by  the 
payment  of  one  hundred  dollars,  in  five  annual  in- 
stallments ;  a  Life  Member  by  the  payment  of  fifty 
dollars  in  five  annual  installments;  or  an  annual 
member,  by  the  payment  of  five  dollars.  Any  congre- 
gation contributing  ten  dollars  or  more  shall  be  enti- 
tled to  one  delegate  in  the  annual  meeting  of  this 
Convention  for  that  year ;  and  any  State  Missionary 
Board  or  Society  contributing  a  dividend  from  its 
State  Treasury  for  the  object  of  this  Convention, 
shall  be  entitled  to  two  delegates  in  the  annual  meet- 
ing of  the  General  Convention,  and  to  one  additional 
delegate  for  every  five  thousand  disciples  in  the 
State  ;  provided  that  no  person  shall  be  entitled  to  a 
seat  in  the  General  Board,  or  General  convention, 
who  is  not  at  the  same  time  a  member  of  the  Church 
of  Christ. 

Aet.  IV.  The  officers  of  this  Convention  shall  con- 
sist of  a  President,  three  Vice-Presidents,  a  Corres- 
responding  Secretary,  a  Treasurer,  an  Auditor,  and 
three  Recording  Secretaries,  who  shall  be  chosen 
annually,  and  shall  continue  in  office  until  their  suc- 
cessors are  elected.  The  officers  of  the  Convention 
shall  be  ex  officio  members  of  the  General  Board  and 
of  the  Acting  Board. 

Aet.  V.  The  General  Convention  shall  annually 
elect  nine  members,  who  shall  constitute  an  Acting 
Bo9,rd  of  Managers  during  the  intervals  of  the  meet- 


378  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

ings  of  the  General  Board,  and  shall  have  all  the 
powers  vested  in  the  General  Board,  and  fill  all 
vacancies  vrhich  may  occur  in  their  own  body  dur- 
ing the  year.  Five  members  of  the  Acting  Board 
shall  constitute  a  quorum,  and  shall  live  in  or  near 
Cincinnati. 

Art.  VI.  The  General  Board  of  Managers  shall  con- 
sist of  the  Life  Directors,  the  Corresponding  Secreta- 
ries of  the  States,  and  the  Presidents  of  State  Boards 
or  Societies  contributing  to  the  treasury  of  this  Con- 
vention, and  the  Acting  Board  of  Managers — ten  of 
whom  shall  constitute  a  quorum.  The  General  Board 
shall  meet  at  least  once  annually,  and  shall  have 
power  to  appoint  its  own  meetings ;  elect  its  own  offi- 
cers ;  establish  such  agencies  as  the  interests  of  the 
Convention  may  require ;  appoint  missionaries,  fix 
their  compensation,  and  direct  their  labors ;  make 
all  appropriations  to  be  paid  out  of  the  treasury,  and 
present  to  the  Convention  at  each  annual  meeting, 
a  report  of  their  proceedings  during  the  past  year. 
The  action  of  the  Board  of  Managers  is  subject  to 
the  revision  of  the  Convention, 

Art.  VII.  The  Treasurer  shall  give  bonds  in  such 
amount  as  the  Acting  Board  of  Managers  shall  think 
proper. 

Art.  Vm.  All  Life  Directors  and  Life  Members 
of  the  American  Christian  Missionary  Society  shall 
be  members  of  this  Convention. 

Art.  IX.  The  meetings  of  this  Convention  shall 
be  held  annually  in  Cincinnati,  on  Thursday,  at 
2  p.  M.,  after  the  third  Lord's  day  in  October,  or  at 


CONSTITUTIONS.  379 

snch  otlier  time,  place,  or  frequency  as  shall  have 
been  designated  at  a  previous  meeting.  But  in  case 
of  necessity  the  Acting  Board  may  change  hoth  time 
and  place  of  such  meetings. 

Art.  X.  This  Constitution  may  be  amended  by  a 
vote  of  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  present  at  any 
regular  meeting  of  the  Convention,  provided  such 
amendment  shall  have  been  first  recommended  by 
the  Board,  or  a  year's  notice  shall  have  been  given. 

BY-LAW. 

(Adopted  at  Indianapolis,  1870.) 

Resolved,  That  all  members  of  the  Church  of 
Christ,  who  may  attend  the  annual  meetings  of  the 
General  Convention,  shall  be  entitled  to  participate 
in  its  deliberations ;  and  this  is  hereby  adopted  as  a 
by-law  to  this  Constitution. 


constitution 

OF  THB 

FoEEiGN  Christian  Missionary  Society. 

(Adopted  at  Louisville  in  1875.)    (Incorporated.) 

Article  I.  The  name  of  this  organization  shall  be 
"The  Foreign  Christian  Missionary  Society." 

Art.  n.  Its  object  shall  be  to  make  disciples  of  all 
nations,  and  teach  them  to  observe  all  things  whatso- 
ever Christ  has  commanded. 


380  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

Art.  m.  This  Society  shall  be  composed  of  Life 
Directors,  Life  Members  and  Annual  Members, 

Art.  rV.  Its  officers  shall  be  a  President,  three 
Vice-Presidents,  a  Recording  Secretary,  a  Corres- 
ponding Secretary,  and  a  Treasurer,  who  shall  be 
elected  annually. 

Art.  V.  The  officers  of  this  Society  shall  consti- 
tute an  Executive  Committee,  who  shall  have  all  the 
powers  vested  in  the  Board  of  Managers,  dui'ing  the 
intervals  of  the  Board  Meetings.  A  majority  shall 
be  competent  to  transact  business. 

Art.  YI.  Any  member  of  the  Church  of  Christ 
may  become  a  Life  Director  by  the  payment  of  $500, 
which  may  be  paid  in  five  annual  installments ;  or 
a  Life  Member  by  the  payment  of  $100,  in  five  an- , 
nual  installments ;  or  an  Annual  Member  by  the 
payment  of  $10. 

Art.  YII.  The  officers  of  the  society  and  the  Life 
Directors  shall  Constitute  a  Board  of  Managers,  who 
shall  meet  at  least  once  a  year  for  the  transaction 
of  business. 

Art.  yni.  The  Board  of  Managers  shall  have 
power  to  appoint  its  own  meetings;  elect  its  own 
Chairman  and  Secretary ;  enact  its  own  by-laws  and 
rules  of  order — provided  always  that  they  be  not 
inconsistent  with  the  Constitution  of  this  society ; 
fill  all  vacancies  which  may  occur  in  their  own  body 
during  the  year ;  and,  if  deemed  necessary  by  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  present  at  a  regular  meeting, 
convene  special  meetings  of  the  society.  They  shall 
establish  such  agencies  as  the  interests  of  the  society 


CONSTITUTIONS.  381 

may  require,  appoint  missionaries,  fix  their  compen- 
sation, direct  their  labors,  make  all  appropriations 
to  "be  paid  out  of  the  treasury,  and  present  to  the 
society  at  each  annual  meeting  a  report  of  their  pro- 
ceedings during  the  past  year.  The  action  of  the 
Board  of  Managers  is  subject  to  the  revision  of  the 
society. 

Art.  IX.  The  Treasurer  shall  give  bonds  in  such 
amounts  as  the  Board  of  Managers  may  think 
proper. 

Art.  X.  The  annual  meetings  of  this  society  shall 
be  held  at  the  same  time  and  place  as  those  of  the 
General  Christian  Missionary  Convention  (unless 
otherwise  ordered  by  the  Board  of  Managers),  and 
its  proceedings  may  be  published  as  a  part  of  the 
proceedings  of  that  convention. 

Art.  XI.  This  constitution  may  be  amended  at 
any  regular  meeting  of  the  society,  by  a  vote  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  present,  provided  such  amend- 
ment shall  have  first  been  recommended  by  the 
Board,  or  a  year's  notice  shall  have  been  given. 


constitution 

OF  THE 

Cheistian  Woman's  Board  op  Missions. 

(Incorporated.)    (Adopted  in  1874.) 

Article  I.  This  society  shall  be  known  as  the 
"  Christian  Woman's  Board  of  Missions." 


382  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

Aet.  n.  Its  object  shall  be  to  cultivate  a  mission- 
ary spirit,  to  encourage  missionary  efforts  in  our 
cliurches,  to  disseminate  missionary  intelligence, 
and  to  secure  systematic  contributions  for  mission- 
ary purposes. 

Art.  m.  Any  woman  or  cliild  may  become  a  mem- 
ber of  this  Board  by  contributing  not  less  tlian  one 
dollar  a  year  to  its  funds. 

Art.  rV".  Any  one  may  become  a  Life  Member  by 
the  payment  of  tAveuty-five  dollars  duiing  two 
years,  in  not  more  than  two  installments. 

Art.  y.  A  Trustee  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Board, 
who  shall  be  charged  with  the  responsibility  of  re- 
ceiving all  moneys  belonging  to  the  endowment  fund 
of  the  society.  He  shall  give  bond  in  a  penalty  of 
twice  the  amount  of  money  on  hand  to  be  invested ; 
and  shall  give  additional  bond  from  time  to  time  as 
the  fund  shall  accumulate,  and  as  may  be  required 
by  the  Executive  Board  of  the  Society. 

Art.  yi.  All  money  received  for  Life  Membership 
of  this  Society  shall  be  kept  as  a  separate  fund  and 
drawing  interest,  which  interest  shall  be  added  to 
the  principal  for  five  years,  dating  from  January  1st, 
1877,  after  which  it  may  be  used  for  heathen  mis- 
sions only.  To  this  fund  shall  be  added  all  bequests 
of  money  that  may  be  made  in  the  future,  unless 
otherwise  directed  by  the  donor.  This  shall  con- 
stitute the  Endowment  Fund  of  the  Society,  the 
principal  of  which  shall  never  be  expended,  but 
shall  be  loaned  from  time  to  time,  upon  good  security 
by  the  Trustee. 


CONSTITUTIONS.  383 

Art.  yil.  The  officers  of  this  Society  shall  be  a 
President,  a  Corresponding  and  a  Recording  Sec- 
retary, a  General  Treasurer,  a  Vice-President  and 
Secretary  for  each  State.  Managers  may  be  ap- 
pointed at  the  discretion  of  the  Board.  These  officers 
shall  constitute  the  Executive  Board  or  Committee, 
five  of  whom  shall  be  a  quorum,  for  the  transaction  of 
business. 

Aet.  VIII.  The  Executive  Committee  shall  hold 
regular  monthly  meetings.  There  shall  be  annual 
mass  meetings  of  this  society  held  at  the  same  time 
and  in  the  same  town  with  the  annual  Convention  of 
the  General  Christian  Missionary  Society.  But  when 
circumstances  make  that  place  or  time  impracticable, 
the  Executive  Board  may  substitute  others.  At 
these  annual  meetings  reports  from  the  Correspond- 
ing Secretary  and  Treasurer  shall  be  presented, 
officers  elected  and  other  business  transacted. 

Aet.  IX.  Any  number  of  women,  contributing 
annually,  may  form  a  society  auxiliary  to  the  Chris- 
tian Woman's  Board  of  Missions. 

Aet.  X.  The  Executive  Committee  shall  have 
power  to  fill  all  vacancies,  and  make  all  necessary 
by-laws. 

Aet.  XI.  This  Constitution  may  be  altered  or 
amended  at  any  regular  meeting  of  the  Board,  by  a 
vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present,  notice 
of  such  intention  having  been  given  to  all  the  officers 
three  months  previously. 


384  OHRISTIAK  MISSIONS. 

CONSTITUTION 

OF  AN 

AuxiLiAEY  Missionary  Societt. 

Article  I.  This  society  shall  be  called  the  Chris- 
tian "Woman's  Missionary  Society  of and  shall 

be  auxiliary  to  the  Christian  Woman's  Board  of  Mis- 
sions. 

Art.  II.  Its  object  shall  be  to  cultivate  a  mission- 
ary spirit ;  to  encourage  missionary  efforts  in  this 
church ;  to  disseminate  missionary  intelligence,  and 
to  secure  systematic  contributions  for  missionary 
purposes. 

Art.  III.  Any  woman  may  become  a  member  of 
this  society  by  subscribing  to  this  Constitution, 
promising  to  aid  in  furthering  the  objects  herein 
named,  and  to  contribute  monthly  a  definite  sum 
not  less  than  ten  cents. 

Art.  IV.  The  officers  of  this  society  shall  be  a  Presi- 
dent, two  Vice-Presidents,  Treasurer,  Corresponding 
and  Recording  Secretaries,  whose  election  shall  take 
place  at  the  regular  meeting  in  September ;  at  which 
time,  also,  annual  reports  shall  be  made  by  the 
Treasurer  and  Corresponding  Secretary.  Any 
vacancy  shall  be  filled  by  election  at  the  next  regular 
meeting  after  such  vacancy  occurs. 

Art.  V.  The  officers  of  this  society  shall  constitute 
an  Executive  Committee  for  the  transaction  of  busi- 
ness, four  of  whom  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 


OONSTITDTIONS.  385 

Art.  YI.  This  society  shall  meet  monthly,  five 
members  constituting  a  quorum,  though  a  less  num- 
ber may  adjourn  from  time  to  time. 

Art.  VII.  Reports  of  funds  collected  and  work 
done  shall  be  made  by  its  officers  quarterly  to  this 
society,  and  also  to  the  State  Secretary. 

Art.  Vin.  This  Constitution  may  be  amended  at 
any  regular  meeting  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  those 
present,  notice  having  been  given  at  three  previous 
meetings. 

BY-LAWS. 


Article  I.  This  society  will  meet  on  the  first 

of  each  month. 
Art.  n.  The  order  of  exercises  shall  be ; 

(  Singing. 
Opening  exercises  <  Reading  Scriptures. 

( Prayer. 
Reading  Minutes. 
Report  of  Committees. 
Report  of  Corresponding  Secretary. 
Unfinished  Business. 
Miscellaneous  Business. 
Admission  of  New  Members. 
Collection. 

Missionary  Intelligence. 
Singing  and  Prayer. 
Doxology. 

Art.  m.  The  President  shall,  from  time  to  time, 
make  such  recommendations  and  use  such  endeavors 
as  shall  be  calculated  to  develop  the  efficiency  of 


386  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

the  society.  With  the  concurrence  of  the  Recording 
Secretary,  she  shall  call  all  special  meetings. 

The  Recording  Secretary  shall  keep  the  records  of 
the  society,  and  take  charge  of  all  the  books  and 
papers  belonging  to  the  same. 

The  Corresponding  Secretary  shall  attend  to  the 
correspondence  of  the  society,  and  keep  the  same  on 
file. 

The  Treasurer  shall  collect  all  money  and  disburse 
the  same  upon  the  order  of  the  society,  which  order 
shall  be  signed  by  the  President  and  Secretary. 
She  shall  keep  a  faithful  record  of  the  same. 

Art.  rV.  These  By-Laws  may  be  altered  or 
amended  at  any  regular  meeting,  by  a  vote  of  two- 
thirds  of  those  present. 


CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 

Ohio  Christian  Missionary  Sooiett. 

(Legally  Incorporated.) 

Article  I.  This  organization  shall  be  called  the 
"  Christian  Missionary  Society  of  the  State  of  Ohio." 

Art.  n.  The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  de- 
vise ways  and  means  for  the  proclamation  of  the 
original  Gospel  within  the  bounds  of  the  State  of 
Ohio,  but  it  may  also  appropriate  funds  for  other 
fields. 


CONSTITUTIONS.  387 

Art.  m.  This  society  shall  be  composed  of  An- 
nual Members,  Life  Members,  Life  Directors,  of  Dele- 
gates, not  exceeding  five,  appointed  annually  by  the 
Annual  District  Conventions,  and  of  the  members 
of  the  Boards  of  District  Christian  Conventions  in 
the  State  of  Ohio. 

Art.  IV.  Any  member  of  the  Christian  Church, 
in  good  standing,  shall  be  an  Annual  Member  of 
this  Society  by  the  annual  payment  of  one  dollar ; 
or  a  Life  Member  by  the  payment  of  ten  dollars ;  or 
a  Life  Director  by  the  payment  of  twenty-five 
dollars. 

Art.  V.  The  officers  shall  consist  of  a  President,  a 
Vice-President,  a  Corresponding  Secretary,  a  Record- 
ing Secretary,  a  Treasurer  and  fifteen  Managers,  who 
shall  constitute  a  Board  for  the  transaction  of  busi- 
ness, and  shall  hold  office  until  a  new  election — all  of 
which  shall  be  elected  annually  at  the  regular  meet- 
ing of  the  society.  The  Corresponding  Secretaries  of 
the  District  Boards  shall  be  ex-offi,cio  members  of  the 
State  Board. 

Art.  VI.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Board  of 
Managers,  five  of  wliom  shall  constitute  a  quorum, 
to  appoint  their  own  meetings,  elect  their  own  Chair- 
man and  Secretary,  fill  vacancies  Avhich  may  occur 
during  the  year,  receive  and  disburse  funds,  appoint 
agents  and  missionaries,  fix  their  compensation, 
direct  them  concerning  their  labors,  and  present  the 
Association,  at  each  Annual  Meeting,  a  report  of 
their  proceedings  duiing  the  year. 


888  CHRISTIAN"  MISSIONS. 

Art.  VJLL.  Seven  members  of  the  Board,  together 
with  the  Treasurer  shall  reside  in  the  City  of  Cleve- 
land, or  vicinity. 

Art.  Vin.  The  society  shall  meet  annually  on 
Tuesday  before  the  last  Lord's  day  in  May,  at  such 
place  as  may  be  determined  at  the  previous  meeting. 

Art.  IX.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Board  of 
Managers  to  solicit  and  receive  contributions  to  a 
fund  to  be  used  for  the  support  of  superannuated 
preachers. 

Art.  X.  This  Constitution  may  be  altered  or 
amended  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds,  at  any  regular 
meeting  of  the  society.  But  a  previous  notice  of 
one  year  must  be  given  of  the  proposed  alteration 
or  amendment,  unless  the  proposal  comes  from  the 
State  Board,  in  which  case  it  may  be  acted  upon 
without  delay. 


CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 

W.  Virginia  Christian  Missionary  Convention. 

(Adopted  Nov.  18.  1881.) 

Article  I.  This  organization  shall  be  called  the 
''West  Virginia  Christian  Missionary  Convention." 

Art.  II.  The  object  of  the  organization  shall  be 
the  spread  of  the  gospel  in  this  State,  and  in  co- 
operation with  the  General  Christian  Missionary 
Convention,  and  in  harmony  with  the  constitution 
thereof,  in  destitute  regions  beyond. 


CONSTITUTIONS.  389 

Art.  ni.  The  Convention  shall  consist  of  Life 
Directors,  Life  Members,  Annual  Memlbers,  and 
Church  Delegates.  Any  member  of  the  church  in 
good  standing,  may  become  a  Life  Director  by  the 
subscription  of  $25.00,  which  may  be  paid  in  five 
equal  annual  payments ;  or  a  Life  Member  by  the 
subscription  of  $10.00,  to  be  paid  in  five  equal  an- 
nual payments ;  or  an  Annual  Member,  by  the  pay- 
ment of  $2.00.  Each  church  in  the  State  shall  be 
entitled  to  one  delegate  in  the  meetings  of  the  Con- 
vention, and  churches  contributing  to  the  funds  of 
the  Convention,  to  two  delegates. 

Art.  ly.  No  person  shall  be  entitled  to  take  part 
in  the  proceedings  of  the  Convention  who  is  not  at 
the  time  in  good  standing  with  a  recognized  congre- 
gation of  the  Church  of  Christ. 

Art.  V.  The  officers  shall  be  a  President,  two  Vice- 
Presidents,  a  Recording  Secretary,  a  Corresponding 
Secretary,  and  a  Treasurer,  who  shall  be  ex-officio 
members  of  the  Board,  and  a  Board  of  seven  Man- 
agers ;  all  of  whom  shall  be  annually  elected  at  the 
regular  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention,  and  hold 
their  offices  till  their  successors  are  chosen. 

Art.  YI.  There  shall  be  at  least  one  annual  meet- 
ing of  the  Board,  at  the  time  and  place  of  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Convention,  and  such  other  meetings 
as  the  President  or  any  three  members  of  the  Board 
may  call.  Five  members  shall  constitute  a  quorum ; 
and  they  shall  appoint  a  committee  of  three,  from 
members  of  the  Board,  to  be  called  the  Executive 


890  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

Committee,  whose  duty  shall  be  to  manage  snch 
business  as  may  arise  in  the  intervals  between  meet- 
ings of  the  Board. 

Art.  YII.  The  Board  shall  have  power  to  employ 
Evangelists  and  Agents,  fix  their  salaries,  determine 
their  labors,  and  direct  generally  all  the  business  of 
the  Convention.  It  shall  make  annually,  in  full,  a 
report  of  all  money  received,  of  how  it  was  appro- 
priated, of  the  work  done,  and  of  anything  else  that 
may  be  of  general  interest  to  the  Convention. 

Art.  YIII.  The  Convention  shall  hold  one  regular 
meeting  each  year,  at  the  city  of  Wheeling,  on  the 

of ,  or  at  such  other  time  and  place  as 

the  Convention  or  Board  may  determine. 

Art.  IX.  This  convention  shall  be  auxiliary  to 
the  G.  C.  M.  C. 

Art.  X.  This  constitution  may  be  changed  at  any 
annual  meeting  of  the  Convention,  by  a  two-thirds 
majority,  provided  such  change  be  recommended  by 
the  Board,  or  upon  motion  of  any  member,  provided 
one  year's  previous  notice  has  been  given  of  the  pro- 
posed change. 

constitution 

OF  THE 

Michigan  Christian  Missionary  Association, 
article  I. 

This  organization  shall  be  called  the  "Michigan 
Christian  Missionary  Association,"  and  shall  be  com- 


CONSTITUTIONS.  891 

posed  of  delegates  from  Cliristian  chnrches  within 
the  State.  Each  church  of  one  hundred  members  or 
less  shall  be  entitled  to  two  delegates ;  and  an  ad- 
ditional delegate  for  each  fifty  members  beyond  one 
hundred. 

ARTICLE    II. 

Its  object  shall  be  to  disseminate  the  Gospel,  and 
to  promote  true  piety  and  Christian  activity  among 
the  congregations ;  and  it  will  act  as  auxiliary  to 
the  General  Christian  Missionary  Convention. 

ABTICLE   III. 

Its  officers  shall  be  a  Presidemt,  a  Vice-President, 
a  Corresponding  Secretary,  a  Recording  Secretary, 
and  an  Executive  Committee  of  seven  to  act  as  a 
Board  of  Managers  ;  two  of  whom  shall  be  the  Presi- 
dent and  Recording  Secretary,  who  shall  fill  the  same 
positions  on  the  Board.  These  officers  shall  be 
elected  annually,  and  hold  their  offices  until  their 
successors  are  elected. 

ARTICLE   IV. 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Executive 
Board  to  employ  Evangelists,  ^a?  their  compensation, 
receive  their  reports,  and,  with  the  Corresponding  Sec- 
retary, take  a  general  oversight  of  the  business  of 
the  Association. 

Sec.  2.  In  cases  of  vacancies  occurring  in  any  of 
the  above  offices  from  any  cause,   the  Executive 


392  OHRISTIAlf    MISSIONS. 

Board  are  requested  and  empowered  to  fill  such 
offices  by  appointment  until  the  next  annual 
meeting. 

AETICLE  V. 

All  questions  voted  upon  shall  Ibe  decided  by  a 
majority  of  the  delegates  present;  all  voting  to  be  in 
person  and  not  by  proxy.  All  members  of  churches 
attending  the  convention  are  invited  to  full  partici 
pation  in  all  the  deliberations  of  the  brethren,  voting 
only  being  limited  to  delegates. 

ARTICLE  VI 

This  Association  shall  meet  annually,  at  such  time 
and  place  as  shall  be  determined  at  the  previous 
meeting. 

ARTICLE  vn. 

No  alterations  shall  be  made  in  this  Constitution, 
except  by  a  two-thirds  vote,  at  a  regular  annual 
meeting  of  the  Association. 

AMENDMENTS. 

Amendment  to  Art.  I.  "Also  of  all  such  persons  as 
shall  pay  $1  into  the  treasury  of  the  Society 
yearly." 

Amendment  to  Art.  IV.,  "Also  that  the  Executive 
Board  of  this  society  may  have  the  power  to  use  the 
funds  of  the  society  for  the  purpose  of  soliciting 
funds  for  the  use  of  this  Association. 


CONSTITUTIONS.  393 

CONSTITUTION 

OP  THE 

Arkansas  Christian  Missionary  Convention. 

(Adopted  January,  1883.) 

Article  I,  This  annual  meeting  shall  be  called 
"The  Arkansas  Christian  Missionary  Convention." 

Art.  n.  Its  object  shall  be  to  devise  ways  and 
means  to  preach  the  gospel  of  Christ  within  the 
State  of  Arkansas ;  but  money  may  be  appropriated 
to  work  in  other  fields. 

Art.  in.  Its  inembership  shall  consist  of  one 
delegate  from  any  Christian  Church  in  the  State,  or 
three  from  any  organized  district  which  desires  to  be 
represented  and  to  co-operate  in  preaching  the  gos- 
pel throughout  the  State. 

Art.  IV.  Its  officers  shall  consist  of  a  President, 
two  Vice-Presidents,  a  Corresponding  Secretary,  a 
Recording  Secretary,  a  Treasurer  and  a  State  Evan- 
gelist, who — except  the  State  Evangelist — shall 
constitute  an  Executive  Committee  to  act  during  the 
interim  between  the  Annual  State  meetings. 

These  officers  shall  be  elected  annually — except 
the  State  Evangelist — whose  election  may  be  left  to 
the  Executive  Committee. 

Art.  V.  There  shall  be  an  annual  meeting  of  this 
Convention  at  such  a  time  and  place  as  may  be  de- 
cided at  a  previous  meeting,  or  by  the  Executive 
Committee. 


394  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

Art.  yi.  The  work  of  the  State  Evangelist  shall 
be  decided  upon  lay  the  annual  Convention,  or  left  to 
the  Executive  Committee. 

Art.  yil.  This  constitution  may  be  amended  at 
any  annual  meeting,  by  a  two-thirds  majority  vote 
of  members  present,  provided  that  such  amendment 
be  recommended  by  the  Executive  Committee,  or 
by  ten  members  of  the  Annual  Convention. 


CONSTITUTION 

OF    THE 

'  Missouri  Christian  Convention. 

article  i. 

This  organization  shall  be  called  "  The  Missouri 
Christian  Convention." 

ARTICLE  n. 

Its  object  shall  be  to  devise  ways  and  means  for 
the  spread  of  the  gospel  and  the  establishment  of 
Churches  of  Christ  in  this  State ;  and,  in  co-operation 
with  the  General  Christian  Missionary  Convention, 
to  aid  in  sending  abroad  the  word  of  the  Lord 
through  our  whole  country. 

Section  1.  Delegates  may  be  ajopointed  annually 
from  this  body  to  the  General  Christian  Missionary 
Convention,  according  to  the  provisions  of  its  consti- 
tution, and  an  appropriation  may  be  made  to  its 
treasury  of  twenty-five  per  cent,  of  the  net  income 
of  the  funds  of  this  Convention. 


CONSTITUTIONS.  396 

Aeticle  rn. 

This  convention  shall  be  composed  of  delegates 
from  churches  contributing  to  its  funds,  delegates 
from  county  and  district  organizations  co-operating 
in  its  objects,  annual  members  and  life  members, 
but  any  person  of  good  standing  in  his  church  may 
take  part  in  its  deliberations.  All  annual  and  life 
members,  must  be  members,  in  good  standing,  of 
some  local  congregation. 

Section  1.  Every  church  and  every  county  and 
every  district  organization  contributing  to  its  treas- 
ury, shall  be  entitled  to  one  representative  in  this 
convention  for  that  year,  and  to  one  additional  rep- 
resentative for  every  twenty-five  dollars  contributed, 
provided  that  no  church  or  association  of  churches 
be  entitled  to  more  than  five  representatives. 

Sec.  2.  Any  disciple  of  Christ  may  be  an  Annual 
Member  of  this  body  by  paying  into  its  treasury 
the  sum  of  five  dollars,  or  a  Life  Member  by  paying 
forty-five  dollars  in  advance,  or  fifty  dollars  in  five 
annual  installments  of  ten  dollars  each. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

The  officers  of  this  Convention  shall  be  a  Presi- 
dent, two  Vice-Presidents,  a  Recording  Secretary, 
who  may  appoint  one  or  more  assistants,  an  Auditor, 
a  Corresponding  Secretary,  a  Missionary  Board,  and 
a  Sunday-school  Board,  all  of  whom  shall  be  elected 
annually,  and  hold  office  until  their  successors  are 
chosen. 


396  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

Section  1.  The  Missionary  Board  sliall  be  com- 
posed of  nine  members,  three  of  whom,  including 
one  of  its  ofloicers,  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  business.  They  shall  have  charge  of 
the  missionary  business,  and  be  invested  with  the 
general  power  of  this  Convention  during  its  inter- 
vals, may  establish  agencies,  employ  evangelists,  fix 
their  compensations  and  direct  their  labors,  make 
all  appropriations  to  be  paid  from  the  treasury,  and 
report  to  this  Convention  at  each  annual  meeting 
their  proceedings  during  the  year.  The  action  of  the 
Board  is  subject  to  the  revision  of  the  Convention. 

Sec,  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Corresponding 
Secretary  to  solicit  funds,  gather  statistics  and  gen- 
eral information,  and  perform  such  other  labor  of 
the  Convention  as  the  Missionary  Board  may  ap- 
point. His  compensation  shall  be  fixed  by  the 
Board,  and  he  shall  make  an  annual  report  to  this 
Convention. 

Sec.  3.  The  Sunday-school  Board  shall  consist  of 
five  members ;  three,  including  one  officer,  shall  con- 
stitute a  quorum.  They  shall  have  general  super- 
vision of  the  Sunday-school  work  of  the  State ;  shall 
elect  their  own  officers,  establish  agencies,  appoint 
missionaries,  hold  conventions,  and  adopt  such 
measures  as  in  their  judgment  will  best  promote 
the  interest  of  Sunday-schools.  They  shall  report 
annually  to  this  Convention  their  operations,  which 
shall  be  subject  to  the  revision  of  this  Convention, 
and  a  synopsis  of  which  shall  be  published  with  the 
minutes  of  this  Convention. 


CONSTITUTIONS.  397 

AETICLE  V. 

Standing  committees  shall  be  appointed  hy  the 
President  at  each  annual  meeting  of  the  Convention 
as  follows : 

1.  On  order  of  Business  and  Religious  Exercises. 

2.  On  Nominations. 

3.  On  Obituaries. 

4.  On  Schools  and  Education. 

5.  On  oui'  Relations  and  Duties  to  other  Mission- 
ary Organizations. 

6.  On  Religious  Literature  and  Colportage. 

7.  On  Missionary  fields  in  the  State. 

8.  On  Ways  and  Means  for  the  promotion  of  the 
legitimate  business  of  this  Convention. 

The  committees  shall  Report  to  the  next  annual 
Convention  after  their  appointment,  such  informa- 
tion with  such  recommendations  as  they  may  deem 
important  concerning  their  respective  subjects.  The 
President  of  the  Convention  may  fill  any  vacancies 
that  may  occur  in  these  committees  during  the  year. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

The  Board  of  Managers  of  all  Schools  and  Institu- 
tions of  learning  and  benevolence  under  the  auspices 
of  this  Convention  shall  report  to  it  annually  their 
operations,  and  general  financial  and  moral  condi- 
tion. But  only  such  Schools  or  Institutions  as 
originate  in  this  convention,  or  are  formally  received 
by  its  own  action,  and  are  placed,  by  their  charters 


398  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

or  by-laws  in  such  relation  with  this  body  as  to  give 
it  the  power  of  nominating  their  Board  of  Managers 
and  removing  from  office  any  of  their  members,  shall 
be  considered  under  the  auspices  of  this  body. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

This  Convention  shall  meet  annually  on  the  Tues- 
day before  the  first  Lord's  day  in  October,  and  at 
such  place  as  it  may  determine,  but  should  the  regu- 
lar meetings  be  interrupted,  the  Missionary  and 
Sunday-school  Board  may  call  a  meeting  at  such 
time  and  place  as  they  may  elect. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

The  proceedings  of  this  Convention  may  be  pub- 
lished annually  by  the  Recording  Secretary  at  the 
expense  of  the  Convention,  and  copies  mailed  to  all 
individuals  and  churches  co-operating  in  our  work, 
and,  as  far  as  practicable,  to  every  preacher  and 
every  church  in  the  State.  All  county  and  district 
organizations  in  the  State  may  report  their  opera- 
tions annually  through  the  Corresponding  Secretary; 
a  synopsis  of  which  may  be  published  with  the  min- 
utes of  this  Convention. 

ARTICLE   IX. 

'  The  officers  of  this  Convention  shall  have  the  usual 
rights,  and  perform  the  duties  customary  in  such 
cases.     All  differences  that  may  arise  in  the  delib- 


CONSTITUTIONS.  399 

erations  of  this  body  shall  be  decided  by  a  majority 
vote ;  and  its  business  shall  be  conducted  according 
to  the  usual  parliamentary  rales. 

ARTICLE  X. 

This  Constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  regular 
meeting  of  this  Convention  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds 
of  those  present,  notice  having  been  given  a  year 
previous,  or  the  change  being  recommended  by  the 
Missionary  Board. 


ARTICLES  OE  INCORPORATION 

OF  THE 

low  A    Christian  Convention. 

ARTICLE    I. 

Be  it  'known.  That  J.  K.  Cornell,  President,  J.  C. 
Hay,  Vice-President,  S.  E.  Pearre,  Recording  Sec- 
retary, and  J.  W.  Porter,  Treasurer,  and  their  suc- 
cessors as  oflacers  of  the  Annual  Convention  of  the 
churches  of  Christ  in  Iowa,  are  hereby  declared  to 
be  a  body  corporate  under  the  Laws  of  Iowa,  under 
the  name  and  style  of  "  The  Iowa  Christian  Con- 
vention." 

ARTICLE  n. 

The  object  of  the  corporation  shall  be  the  promo- 
tion of  the  general  interests  of  the  church  of  Christ, 
in  Iowa,  including  missions,  Bible  schools,  educa- 
tion and  a  pure  literature. 


400  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

AETICLE  in. 

The  principal  place  of  business  of  this  corpora- 
tion shall  be  at  Des  Moines,  Polk  Co.,  Iowa. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

This  corporation  shall  begin  October  15, 1873,  and 
shall  continue  twenty  years  unless  sooner  dissolved 
by  mutual  consent. 

ARTICLE  V. 

The  business  of  this  corporation  shall  be  trans- 
acted by  the  above  named  corporators  for  one  year, 
and  by  their  successors  thereafter  who  shall  be 
identical  with  officers  of  the  Annual  meeting  of  the 
churches  of  Christ  in  Iowa. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

This  corporation  shall  be  entitled  to  all  the  rights 
and  privileges  conferred,  and  be  subject  to  all  the 
liabilities  provided  by  the  law  regulating  corpora- 
tions not  for  pecuniary  profit. 


CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 

New  York  Christian  Missionary  Society. 

(Legally  Incorporated  October  1, 1878.) 

Article  I.  This  organization  shall  be  called  the 
"  New  York  Christian  Missionary  Society." 

Art.  II.  The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  de- 
vise ways  and  means  for  the  proclamation  of  the 


0ON"STITUTIONS.  401 

Gospel  of  Jesus  the  Christ  in  destitute  places,  and 
to  assist  weak  churches  within  the  hounds  of  the 
State  of  New  York ;  hut  it  may  also  appropriate 
funds  for  other  fields. 

Art.  m.  This  society  shall  consist  of  Annual 
Members  and  delegates  from  churches  in  the  State, 
not  to  exceed  ten  from  any  one  congregation. 

Art.  IV.  Any  member  of  the  Church  of  Christ, 
in  good  standing,  shall  be  a  member  by  the  pay- 
ment of  one  dollar  each  3^ear  into  the  State  Treasury. 

Art.  V.  The  officers  shall  consist  of  a  President, 
Vice-President,  Corresponding  Secretary,  Recording- 
Secretary  and  Treasurer,  who  shall  constitute  a 
Board  for  the  transaction  of  business,  and  shall  hold 
oflice  until  a  new  election — all  of  whom  shall  be 
elected  annually  at  the  regular  meetings  of  the 
society. 

Art.  yi.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Board  of 
Managers,  three  of  whom  shall  constitute  a  quorum, 
to  appoint  their  own  meetings,  elect  their  own  Chair- 
man and  Secretary,  fill  vacancies  which  may  occur 
during  the  year,  receive  and  disburse  funds,  appoint 
agents  and  missionaries,  fix  their  compensation, 
direct  them  concerning  their  labors ;  and  present  the 
society,  at  each  annual  meeting,  a  report  of  their 
proceedings  during  the  year. 

Art.  Vn.  The  society  shall  meet  annually  at  10 
A.  M.,  on  the  Thursday  before  the  first  Lord's  day  in 
October,  at  such  place  as  may  be  determined  at  the 
previous  meeting  of  the  society,  or  the  Board  of 
Managers  may  appoint. 

2fi 


402  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

Art.  Vm.  This  Constitution  may  be  altered  or 
amended  by  a  vote  of  two-tliirds,  at  any  regular 
meeting  of  the  society  ;  but  a  previous  notice  of  one 
year  must  be  given  of  the  proposed  alteration  or 
amendment,  unless  the  proposition  comes  from  the 
Board  of  Managers,  in  which  case  it  may  be  acted 
on  without  delay. 

CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 

Nebraska  State  Missionary  Sooiety. 
article  i. — name. 

This  society  shall  be  called  "The  Missionary 
Society  of  the  Church  of  Christ  in  the  State  of 
Nebraska." 

ARTICLE  II. — MEETINGS. 

Its  sessions  shall  be  held  annually,  the  first  Tues- 
day after  the  lirst  new  moon  in  October. 

ARTICLE   in. — OFFICERS 

The  officers  shall  consist  of  a  President,  two  Yice- 
Presidents,  a  Recording  Secretary,  a  Treasurer,  a 
Corresponding  Secretary,  and  three  Directors  who 
shall  constitute  a  Board  for  the  transaction  of  busi- 
ness during  the  interval  of  its  sessions.  Five  to  form 
a  quorum. 

ARTICLE    IV. — TRUSTEES. 

There  shall  be  five  Trustees  of  the  Society,  three 
of  whom  shall  be  Directors  heretofore  named. 


CONSTITUTIONS.  403 

ARTICLE   V. — OBJECT. 

The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  spread  the 
Gospel,  aid  weak  churches,  and  devise  means,  by 
donations,  contributions,  bequests,  and  to  employ 
men  to  accomplish  this  Missionary  work. 

AETICLE    VI. — ^MEMBEES. 

The  members  of  this  society  shall  consist  of  its 
officers,  representatives  from  the  churches — Annual 
and  Life  Members. 


CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 

NoETH  Caeolina  Cheistian  Missionaey 
Convention. 

(Adopted  October,  1883.) 

Aeticle  I.  This  organization  shall  be  called  "  The 
North  Carolina  Christian  Missionary  Convention." 

Aet.  II.  Its  object  shall  be  to  devise  ways  and 
means  for  the  spread  of  the  Gospel  in  North  Caro- 
lina, but  may  raise  and  appropriate  funds  for  other 
fields. 

Aet.  m.  Its  membership  shall  consist  of  members 
of  the  Church  of  Christ,  who  have  been  sent  by 
their  respective  churches  or  by  an  association  of 
churches,  as  delegates  to  its  annual  Convention,  and 
of  such  other  brethren  as  may  have  contributed  to 
its  Treasury,  as  hereinafter  provided. 


404  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

Art.  IV.  Each  co-operating  district  shall  be  en- 
titled to  live  delegates,  and  each  clnirch  in  the  State 
to  one  delegate.  Any  member  of  the  Church  of 
Christ  may  become  a  member  of  the  Convention  for 
one  year  by  the  payment  of  two  dollars,  and  a  mem- 
ber for  life  by  the  payment  of  twenty  dollars,  in  an- 
nual installments  of  two  dollars. 

Art.  V.  Its  officers  shall  consist  of  a  President,  a 
Vice-President,  Recording  Secretary,  Corresponding 
Secretary  and  Treasurer,  who  shall  be  elected  an- 
nually and  hold  their  respective  offices  until  their 
successors  are  elected. 

Art.  VI.  The  Convention  at  each  annual  meeting, 
may  divide  the  State  into  Districts,  and  to  each  Dis- 
trict assign  one  or  more  Evangelists,  provided,  how-- 
ever,  that  nothing  in  this  Article  shall  be  construed 
so  as  to  prevent  any  congregation  which  does  not 
favor  the  District  plan  from  selecting  its  own 
Evangelist. 

Art.  VII.  There  shall  also  be  elected  annually 
nine  members,  who  together  with  the  officers  of  the 
Convention,' shall  constitute  a  Board  of  Managers, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  carry  into  execution  the 
work  of  the  Convention.  They  shall  appoint  their 
own  meetings,  elect  their  own  chairman  and  clerk, 
and  during  the  interval  between  the  annual  meet- 
ings, fiU  all  vacancies  in  their  own  body,  employ 
evangelists  and  agents,  and  direct  them  in  their 
fields  of  labor.  They  shall  keep  a  full  record  of 
their  proceedings  and  make  report  through  the  Cor- 
responding  Secretary   at    the    annual   Convention, 


CONSTITUTIONS.  405 

making  guch  recommendations  as  they  shall  deem 
proper.  Five  of  tlie  Board  shall  constitute  a  quorum 
for  the  transaction  of  business. 

Aet.  VIII.  The  President,  Vice-President,  and 
Recording  Secretary  shall  perform  the  duties 
usually  belonging  to  such  offices  at  the  annual 
Convention.  The  Corresponding  Secretary  shall 
collect  all  funds  and  pay  them  to  the  Treasurer, 
keeping  an  account  of  the  same.  He  may  also  be 
employed  as  General  Evangelist,  and  shall  account 
for  all  sums  paid  him  for  services.  The  Treasurer 
shall  receive  from  the  Corresponding  Secretary  all 
funds,  pay  them  out  on  order  of  the  Clerk  of  the 
Board,  keep  an  accurate  account  of  the  same,  and 
make  report  at  the  annual  Convention. 

Art.  IX.  The  annual  Convention  may  annually 
contribute  a  percentage  of  the  funds  raised  for  mis- 
sions to  the  Treasury  of  the  General  Christian 
Missionary  Convention,  such  percentage  to  be 
determined  by  the  Convention. 

Art.  X.  This  Convention  shall  meet  annually  on 
Thursday  before  the  second  Lord's  day,  in  Novem- 
ber, at  such  place  as  may  have  been  determined  by 
the  last  annual  Convention.  In  case  the  Convention 
shall  have  failed  to  appoint  a  place,  the  Board  shall 
select  the  place  of  meeting. 

Art.  XI.  This  Constitution  may  be  amended  by  a 
vote  of  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  present  at  any 
regular  meeting  of  the  Convention,  provided  such 
amendment  shall  have  been  first  recommended  by 
the  Board,  or  a  year's  notice  shall  have  been  given. 


406  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

BASIS  OF  CO-OPERATION 

OF  THE 

KLa-nsas  Christian  Missionary  Co-operation. 

(Adopted  October,  1883.)       (Incorporated  1883.) 
ARTICLE  I. — NAME. 

This  association  shall  be  called  the  "Kansas  Chris- 
tian Missionary  Co-operation,"  and  shall  be  auxil- 
iary to  the  "General  Christian  Missionary  Conven- 
tion. 

ARTICLE  II. — OBJECT. 

Its  object  shall  be  to  devise  ways  and  means  to 
establish  and  support  local  missions. 

These  missions  shall  be  of  two  classes :  city  mis- 
sions and  country  missions. 

In  a  city  mission,  the  city  shall  constitute  the  field 
of  labor. 

ARTICLE  in. — MEMBERSHIP. 

The  members  shall  consist  of  all  preachers  resid- 
ing in  the  State  actively  engaged  in  the  work  of  the 
ministry  and  in  good  standing  among  the  brother- 
hood. 

Secondly,  delegates  from  the  churches  in  the  State. 
Each  church  shall  be  entitled  to  one  and  not  more 
than  two  delegates. 

ARTICLE  IV. — OFFICERS. 

Its  officers  shall  consist  of  a  President,  Vice-Presi- 
dent, a  Recording  Secretary,  a  Corresponding  Secre- 
tary, and  a  Treasurer,  who  shall  be  elected  at  each 


CONSTITUTIONS.  407 

annual  meeting  of  the  Co-operation,  and  who,  besides 
perfoi-ming  the  usual  duties  of  their  respective  offices, 
shall  constitute  the  State  Board  of  Missions. 

AETICLE  V. — DUTIES  OF  BOARD. 

It  shall  he  the  duty  of  the  State  Board  of  Missions 
to  establish  local  missions ;  to  select  the  evangelist 
for  eacli  mission,  with  the  apj)roval  of  the  brethren 
in  the  place  where  the  mission  is  established ;  to 
determine  and  pay  the  amount  of  funds  to  be  appro- 
priated in  aid  of  any  mission ;  and  to  select  the  State 
Evangelist  and  direct  his  work. 

ARTICLE  VI. — DISTRICT   ORGANIZATIONS. 

The  organization  of  District  Co-operations  shall  be 
encouraged  wherever  practicable ;  but  the  method  of 
district  work  shall  be  left  to  the  churches  constituting 
the  District  Co-operation.  The  State  Evangelist  may 
aid  in  the  organization,  where  his  services  may  be 
needed. 

ARTICLE  Vn. — FINANCE. 

As  the  missionary  work  herein  described  is  the 
joint  work  of  the  churches  composing  the  Co-opera- 
tion, so  the  money  necessary  for  its  support  must  be 
supplied  by  them.  Therefore  every  church  shall 
pledge  itself  to  pay  a  definite  amount  into  the  treas- 
ury of  the  Co-operation  in  quarterly  installments. 
That  the  churches  may  be  properly  urged  to  con- 
tribute according  to  their  respective  abilities,  the 
preacher  of  each  congregation  shall  be  personally 


408  CHRISTIAN    MISSIONS. 

responsible  for  a  canvass  of  the  entire  ineni"bersliip 
of  the  congregation  or  congregations  for  which  he 
labors,  to  secure  pledges  of  a  definite  amount,  pay- 
able quarterly  into  the  treasury  of  Co-operation,  and 
for  collections  of  the  amounts  as  they  become  due, 
and  forward  them  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  State  Board 
of  Missions. 

Two  per  cent,  of  the  funds  shall  be  remitted  to  the 
Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  General  Christian 
Missionary  Convention,  on  or  before  the  first  of  Oc- 
tober of  each  year. 

AETICLE  VIII. — TIME  OF  MEETING. 

This  Co-operation  shall  meet  annually  on  Tuesday, 
2  p.  M.,  after  the  first  Lord's  day  in  the  month  of 
October,  at  a  place  designated  by  the  previous 
annual  convention,  or  by  the  State  Board.  The  con- 
vention shall  suspend  its  session  from  12  m.,  Wed- 
nesday, to  8:30  A.  M.,  Thursday,  to  allow  time  for 
the  Christian  Woman's  Convention.  The  convention 
shall  adjourn  its  annual  session  on  Friday  evening 
following. 


CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 

Illinois  Christian  Missionary  Convention. 

article  i. 

This  society  shall  be  called  "  The  Illinois  Chris- 
tian Missionary  Convention." 


CONSTITUTIONS.  409 

ARTICLE  n. 

The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  promote  the 
cause  of  Christ  in  the  State  of  Illinois,  but  it  may 
also  help  in  other  fields. 

ARTICLE    III. 

Section  1.  This  Convention  shall  be  composed  of 
delegates  from  Churches  of  Christ  within  the  State 
of  Illinois,  contributing  to  its  funds,  as  hereinafter 
provided,  and  individuals  w^ho  may  be  Annual  Mem- 
bers and  Life  Mernbers. 

Sec.  2.  Any  congregation  contributing  to  its  treas- 
ury shall  be  entitled  to  one  delegate  in  the  Conven- 
tion, and  one  additional  delegate  for  every  additional 
ten  dollars  contributed. 

Sec.  3.  Any  member  of  the  Church  of  Christ  pay- 
ing into  its  treasury  the  sum  of  five  dollars  shall  be 
a  member  of  this  Convention  for  that  year,  and  a 
Life  Member  by  the  payment  of  twenty  dollars  per 
year  for  five  consecutive  years. 

article  IV. 

Sec.  1.  The  officers  of  this  Convention  shall  be  a 
President,  a  Vice-President,  a  Recording  Secretary 
(who  may  appoint  an  assistant),  a  Board  of  Mana- 
gers, nine  in  number,  three  Trustees  of  the  Per- 
manent Fund,  who  shaU  be  selected  from  the 
members  of  the  Board,  and  one  or  more  Evangelists. 


410  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

Sec.  2,  All  the  oflBcers  shall  be  elected  annually, 
by  the  Convention,  except :  (1)  The  Trustees  of  the 
Permanent  Fund,  who  shall  be  elected  by  the  Board^ 
and  their  terms  of  office  graduated  into  one  year, 
two  years,  and  three  years.  (2)  The  Evangelists 
shall  also  be  chosen  by  the  Board. 

Sec.  3.  The  Board,  five  of  whom  shall  constitute 
a  quorum,  shall  elect  its  own  President,  Secretary 
and  Treasurer. 

Sec.  4.  The  Board,  the  Trustees  of  the  Permanent 
Fund,  the  Financial  Secretary,  the  Treasurer,  and 
the  Evangelists,  shall  make  written  reports,  annually, 
to  the  Convention,  of  their  proceedings  and  work 
during  the  year. 

Sec.  5.  The  Treasurer  of  the  Permanent  Fund 
shall  be  required  to  give  such  security  as,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  Board,  is  good  and  sufficient. 

ARTICLE  T. 

The  sessions  of  this  Convention  stall  begin  on 
Tuesday  before  the  first  Lord's  day  in  October  of 
every  year,  at  such  place  as  the  Board  may  elect. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

This  Constitution  may  be  amended,  one  year's 
notice  having  been  given,  or,  upon  the  recommenda- 
tion of  the  Board,  at  any  regular  session  of  the 
Convention,  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  members 
present  favoring  such  amendment. 


CONSTITUTION'S.  411 

CONSTITUTION 

OP  THE 

Wisconsin  Christian  Missionary  Society. 

(Adopted  1883.) 

Article  L  This  association  shall  Idg  called  the 
"  Wisconsin  Christian  Missionary  Society." 

Art.  II.  The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  de- 
vise ways  and  means  for  the  proclamation  of  the 
gospel  of  Christ  within  the  bounds  of  the  State  of 
Wisconsin.  It  may  also  collect  and  appropriate 
funds  for  other  fields. 

Art.  m.  This  society  shall  be  composed  of  An- 
nual Members,  Life  Members,  delegates  (not  exceed- 
ing three  from  each  contributing  church),  delegates 
(not  exceeding  five)  from  each  missionary  district, 
and  of  the  members  of  the  State  and  district  boards. 
Any  member  of  the  church  of  Christ  may  become 
an  Annual  Member  by  the  payment  of  one  dollar, 
and  a  Life  Member  by  the  payment  of  twenty-five 
dollars,  in  annual  installments  of  not  less  than  five 
dollars. 

Art.  TV.  The  officers  shall  consist  of  a  President, 
a  Vice-President,  a  Corresponding  Secretary,  a  Re- 
cording Secretary,  a  Treasurer  and  five  Managers, 
who  shall  constitute  a  Board  for  the  transaction  of 
business,  and  shall  hold  office  until  a  new  election — 
all  of  whom  shall  be  elected  annually  at  the  regular 
meeting  of  the  society. 

Art.  Y.  The  President,  Vice-President,  and  Re- 
cording Secretary  shall  perform  the  usual  duties  of 


412  CHRISTIAN-   MISSIONS. 

these  offices  during  the  sittings  of  the  society  in 
annual  convention.  The  Corresponding  Secretary 
shall,  under  the  direction  of  the  Board,  carry  into 
effect  the  plans  and  resolutions  of  the  society ;  col- 
lect all  funds  and  pay  them  over  to  the  Treasurer. 
The  Treasurer  shall  receive  all  funds,  pay  them  out 
on  orders  signed  by  the  clerk  of  the  Board,  keep  an 
accurate  account  of  the  same,  and  make  report  an- 
nually to  the  society. 

Aet.  VI.  The  Board  of  Managers,  five  of  whom 
shall  constitute  a  quorum,  shall  appoint  their  own 
meetings,  elect  their  own  chairman  and  clerk,  fill  va- 
cancies which  may  occur  during  the  year,  appoint 
agents  and  missionaries,  fix  their  compensation, 
direct  them  concerning  their  labors,  make  appropria- 
tions of  funds,  and  present  the  society  at  each  an- 
nual meeting  a  report  of  their  proceedings  during 
tlie  year,  accompanying  the  same  with  such  recom- 
mendations as  they  may  deem  proper.  Five  mem- 
bers of  the  Board  shall  reside  in  or  near  Center. 

Art.  VII.  The  Board  may,  at  their  discretion, 
divide  the  State  into  missionary  districts,  which 
shall  be  auxiliary  to  the  State  organization.  Each 
district  shall  have  a  constitution  providing  for  an 
annual  meeting,  a  Board  of  counsel,  and  such  other 
officers  as  may  be  needed  to  promote  the  welfare  of 
missionary  work.  The  Corresponding  Secretary  of 
the  State  organization  shall  be  ex-ojfficlo  president 
of  the  district  organizations. 

Art.  Vin.  This  society  shall  meet  annually  on 
Wednesday  after  the  third  Lord's  day  in  September, 


CONSTITUTIONS.  413 

at  such  place  as  may  have  "been  selected  at  the  pre- 
vious meeting.  The  Board  may  change  the  place  of 
meeting  and  also  the  time,  not  more  than  ten  days, 
for  good  and  sufficient  reasons. 

Akt.  IX.  The  constitution  may  be  altered  or 
amended  by  a  vote  of  two- thirds  at  any  regular 
meeting  of  the  society,  or  by  a  majority  vote,  pro- 
vided a  notice  has  been  given  of  the  proposed 
change  at  the  last  annual  meeting,  or  provided  the 
Board  has  recommended  such  change. 


CONSTITUTION 


Colorado  Christian  Missionary  Society. 

Article  I.  This  association  shall  be  called  the 
"  Colorado  Christian  Missionary  Society,"  and  shall 
be  auxiliary  to  the  General  Christian  Missionary 
Convention. 

Art.  II.  Its  object  shall  be  to  devise  ways  and 
means  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel  in  Colorado,  and 
to  foster  a  missionary  spirit  in  all  the  churches  of 
the  State.  It  shall  also  contribute  to  the  support  of 
the  missions  of  the  .General  Christian  Missionary 
Convention. 

Art.  III.  Its  members  shall  be  members  of  the 
church  of  Christ,  known  as  "  Christians,"  or  "  Dis- 
ciples of  Christ,"  and  shall  consist  of  delegates  from 


414  CHEISTIAJJf  MISSIONS. 

churches  and  Sunday-schools,  and  of  Annual  and 
Life  Members.  Each  district  shall  be  entitled  to 
five  delegates.  Each  church  shall  be  entitled  to  one 
delegate  and  one  additional  delegate  for  each  ten 
dollars  contributed  as  a  church  directly  to  the  treas- 
ury during  the  year.  Each  contributing  Sunday- 
school  shall  be  entitled  to  one  delegate.  Any  mem- 
ber of  the  church  of  Christ  may  become  an  Annual 
Member  by  the  payment  of  two  dollars,  and  a  Life 
Member  by  the  payment  of  twenty  dollars  in  five 
annual  installments.  All  officers  of  State  or  district 
organizations,  and  all  members  of  the  Greneral  Chris- 
tian Missionary  Convention  residing  in  the  State 
shall  be  entitled  to  participate  in  the  deliberations  of 
the  State  Convention,  but  not  to  vote. 

Aet.  TV.  The  officers  of  the  society  shall  consist 
of  a  President,  three  Vice-Presidents,  a  Record- 
ing Secretary,  a  Treasurer,  and  Corresponding  Sec- 
retary, all  of  whom  shall  be  elected  annually  by  the 
State  convention,  and  shall  constitute  a  Board  of 
Managers,  for  the  transaction  of  business  when  the 
society  is  not  in  session. 

Art.  y.  The  duties  of  the  officers  shall  be  such 
as  are  common  to  such  offices.  The  Corresponding 
Secretary  may  also  be  employed  as  State  evangelist. 

Art.  VI.  The  Board  of  Managers,  a  majority  of 
whom  shall  live  in  or  near  Denver,  and  four  of  whom 
shall  constitute  a  quorum,  shall  appoint  their  own 
meetings,  elect  their  own  clerk  and  auditor,  make 
rules  for  the  government  of  their  proceedings,  exe- 
cute, if  possible,  the  recommendations  of  the  State 


CONSTITUTIONS.  415 

convention,  employ  agents  and  missionaries,  direct 
them  in  their  labors,  fix  their  compensation,  and 
make  report  to  the  society  in  annual  session.  The 
President,  Vice-President,  Corresponding  Secretary, 
and  Treasurer  shall  be  respectively.  President,  Vice- 
President,  Corresponding  Secretary,  and  Treasurer 
of  the  Board  of  Managers. 

Aet.  Vn.  The  State  may  be  divided  into  districts 
of  convenient  size.  In  each  district  there  shall  be 
an  annual  convention  composed  of  all  the  members 
of  the  State  organization  residing  in  the  district  and 
three  delegates  from  each  church.  The  Correspond- 
ing Secretary  of  this  society  shall  be  ex-ojfficlo  presi- 
dent of  the  district  conventions,  and  a  member  of 
the  district  boards.  The  other  officers  of  the  dis- 
tricts shall  be  a  Vice-President,  a  Corresponding 
Secretary,  who  shall  also  be  Recording  Secretary, 
and  a  Board  of  council,  consisting  of  one  person 
from  each  chui'ch  in  the  district,  all  of  whom  shall 
be  elected  annually,  at  the  annual  convention,  and 
hold  their  offices  till  their  successors  are  chosen. 
The  Board  of  council  shall  have  charge  of  the  mis- 
sionary work  in  the  district,  subject  to  revision  by 
the  State  Board  of  Managers.  The  districts  may 
frame  constitutions  and  by-laws  in  harmony  with  the 
provisions  of  this  constitution. 

Art.  Vm.  All  money  shall  be  sent  to  the  Record- 
ing Secretary  of  the  State  organization,  and  be  paid 
over  by  him  to  the  Treasurer.  The  Treasurer  shall 
hold  funds  belonging  to  any  district,  subject  to  the 
order  of  the  Recording   Secretary  of   the  district, 


416  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

countersigned  by  the  State  Recording  Secretary.  He 
shall  iKiy  out  other  funds  on  orders  signed  by  the 
President  and  countersigned  by  the  clerk  of  the 
Board  of  Managers. 

Art.  IX.  This  society  shall  pay  into  the  treasury 
of  the  General  Christian  Missionary  Convention, 
such  sums  or  such  percentage  of  funds  as  may  have 
been  ordered  by  the  State  convention. 

Art.  X.  This  society  shall  meet  annually  at  such 
time  and  place  as  the  Board  of  Managers  shall  decide. 

Art.  XI.  This  constitution  may  be  altered  or 
amended  at  any  annual  convention,  by  a  two-thirds 
vote  of  the  members  present,  or  by  a  majority  vote, 
provided  the  Board  of  Managers  recommend  such 
change,  or  provided  public  notice  was  given  of  the 
proposed  change  at  the  last  annual  convention.  By- 
laws may  be  added  at  any  meeting  by  a  majority 
vote  of  the  members  present. 


constitution 

OF  THE 

Indiana  Christian  Missionary  Society. 

(As  Amended  at  Island  Park,  August  9,  1883.) 

article  I. 

The  name  of  this  Association  shall  be  "  The  Mis- 
sionary Society  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  Indi- 
ana." 


CONSTITUTIONS.  417 


ARTICLE  II. 


Sectioist  1.  The  olijects  of  this  Association  shall 
be  to  preach  the  Gospel  and  organize  congregations 
of  the  Church  of  Christ,  and  co-operate  with  all 
Missionary  Societies  and  enterprises  of  our  Christian 
brotherhood. 

Sec.  2.  For  the  purpose  of  carrying  into  effect  the 
objects  expressed  in  this  Article,  this  society  shall 
consist  of  all  such  members  of  the  Church  of  Christ 
as  may  annually  contribute  and  pay  to  the  funds 
thereof  the  sum  of  one  dollar.  All  Churches  of 
Christ  that  may  contribute  and  pay  to  the  society 
at  the  rate  of  five  dollars  for  every  fifty  members  or 
the  fraction  of  fifty  members  thereof,  and  every  such 
church  so  contributing  shall  be  entitled  to  represen- 
tation by  one  delegate  for  each  five  dollars  or  frac- 
tion thereof  contributed,  in  any  annual  or  other 
meeting  of  the  society. 

Sec.  3.  The  fund  thus  created,  together  with  all 
such  sums  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  acquired 
through  agents  or  Evangelists  of  the  society,  not 
otherwise  directed  by  the  donors,  shall  be  deemed  a 
contingent  or  current  expense  fund  and  applied  to 
the  payment  of  agents  or  Evangelists  and  other 
necessary  expenses  of  the  society,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Board  of  Directors.  The  Board  may 
also  contribute  to  the  Treasury  of  the  General  Chris- 
tian Missionary  Convention. 

Sec.  4.  This  society  may  receive  and  hold  prop- 
erty, real  or  personal,  by  devise,  gift  or  otherwise, 

27 


418  CHEISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

the  principal  sum  of  which  shall  be  held  as  a  Per- 
manent Fund  unless  otherwise  directed  by  the 
donor,  the  interest  or  prolit  arising  therefrom,  may 
from  time  to  time  be  added  to  the  contingent  fund 
to  be  applied  and  used  as  in  section  three  of  this 
article  provided. 

Sec.  5.  Life  memberships  in  this  society  may  be 
obtained  by  the  payment  of  the  sum  of  twenty-five 
dollars,  or  that  sum  in  annual  payments  of  five  dol- 
lars each. 

Sec.  6.  The  Permanent  Fund  as  provided  in  Sec- 
tions four  and  five  of  this  Article  shall  from  time  to 
time  be  securely  invested  under  the  order  of  the 
Board  of  Directors. 

ARTICLE  m. 

The  officers  of  this  society  shall  consist  of  a  Presi- 
dent, Vice-President,  a  Corresponding  Secretary,  a 
Recording  Secretary,  a  Treasurer,  and  fifteen  Direc- 
tors. 

AETIOLE  IV. 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President 
to  preside  at  all  meetings  of  the  society,  and  of  the 
Board  of  Directors,  and  to  exercise  a  general  super- 
vision over  all  the  State  work  and  advance  its  inter- 
ests in  every  way  possible.  Provided,  that  the 
Board  of  Directors  may  choose  one  of  its  members 
to  preside  over  the  meetings  of  the  society  as  its 
permanent  President  in  the  absence  of  the  President 
of  the  society  who  for  the  time  being  shall  possess 
and  exercise  all  the  prerogatives  of  President. 


CONSTITUTIONS.  419 

Sec.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Vice-President 
to  preside  over  the  meetings  of  the  society  in  the 
absence  of  the  President  and  to  perform  such  other 
duties  as  may  be  required  of  him  by  the  President 
or  the  Board  of  Directors. 

Sec.  3.  It  shaU  be  the  duty  of  the  Corresponding 
Secretary  to  conduct  all  correspondence  of  the 
society,  to  prepare  and  distribute  the  necessary 
blanks  for  reports  from  churches,  and  collect  such 
statistical  information  as  may  be  possible  for  him  to 
do  in  his  correspondence  with  churches  in  the  State. 
He  shall  prepare  and  submit  to  the  annual  Conven- 
tion of  the  society,  and  to  the  Board  of  Directors 
when  required,  a  report  of  his  work  during  the  year, 
embracing  such  statistics  as  may  be  necessary  to 
give  a  correct  idea  of  the  numerical  strength  of  our 
churches  in  the  State,  and  such  other  information  as 
may  be  of  interest  and  value. 

Sec.  4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Recording  Sec- 
retary to  keep  a  full  and  complete  record  of  the 
transactions  of  all  meetings  of  the  Society  and  of  the 
Board  of  Directors,  including  an  enrollment  of  all 
members  and  delegates  in  attendance  at  each  annual 
meeting.  He  shall  keep  an  account  of  all  bequests, 
payments,  donations  and  contributions  of  whatever 
character  to  the  Society  under  proper  ledger  head- 
ings ;  receive  and  receipt  for  the  same,  and  pay  to 
the  Treasurer  all  such  sums  as  may  from  time  to 
time  come  into  his  hands  as  such  Recording  Secre- 
tary; and  shall  submit  an  annual  report  to  the 
Society  and  a  report  to  the  Board  of  Directors  as 


420  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

often  as  required ;  his  said  books  being  at  all  times 
subject  to  inspection  by  the  Society  or  Board  of 
Directors. 

Sec.  5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer  to 
receive  all  moneys  from  the  Recording  Secretary, 
keep  a  just  and  true  account  thereof,  designating 
the  several  kinds  of  funds  under  proper  ledger  head- 
ings, pay  same  out  on  the  orders  of  the  Board  of 
Directors  properly  signed  and  attested,  and  make  an 
annual  report  thereof  to  the  Society  and  a  report  to 
the  Board  of  Directors  as  often  as  may  be  required, 
and  pay  over  to  his  successor  in  office  all  money  or 
other  property  in  his  hands  as  such  Treasurer. 

ARTICLE  V. 

Section  1.  At  the  first  meeting  of  this  Association 
under  this  Constitution  there  shall  be  elected  by 
ballot  a  Board  consisting  of  fifteen  Directors,  one- 
third  of  whom,  to  be  determined  by  lot  by  the  Board 
of  Directors,  shall  serve  one  year,  one-third  two  years, 
and  one-third  three  years ;  and  annually  after  the 
first  election  there  shall  be  chosen  as  aforesaid  five 
members  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  each  of  whom 
shall  serve  three  years :  Provided,  that  at  all  times 
at  least  nine  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  shall 
be  residents  oi  Indianapolis  or  its  vicinity,  and  that 
five  members  of  the  Board  shall  constitute  a  quorum 
for  the  transaction  of  business. 

Sec.  2.  The  Board  of  Directors  shall  meet  as  often 
as  once  in  each  month  at  their  office  or  princi2:)al  place 


CONSTITUTIONS.  421 

of  business ;  and  if  the  funds  of  the  Association  will 
admit  of  it  they  shall  employ  one  or  more  State 
Evangelists  who  shall  be  under  their  control,  and 
direct  the  details  of  the  work  in  the  State,  and  make 
all  necessary  arrangements  for  each  annual  conven- 
tion of  the  Society.  Said  Board  of  Directors  shall 
submit  to  the  annual  meetings  a  full  and  complete 
report  of  the  work  in  the  past  year  in  the  State,  to- 
gether with  the  condition  and  needs  of  the  work,  and 
make  such  suggestions  and  recommendations  as  may 
be  demanded  by  the  cause. 

Sec.  3.  Said  Board  of  Directors  shall  have  power 
to  fill  any  vacancy  in  any  office  or  directorship  of 
the  Society  by  a  majority  vote  of  its  members. 

Sec.  4.  The  President  and  Corresponding  Secretary 
shall  ex-offi>cio  be  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors, 
and  when  practicable  shall  attend  its  meetings. 

AETICLE  VI. 

At  each  annual  election  of  officers  and  Directors 
of  this  society,  each  annual  member,  each  life  mem- 
ber and  delegate  shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

The  State  Evangelist  or  Evangelists  shall  employ 
their  time,  under  the  direction  of  the  Board  of  Direc- 
tors, in  preaching  the  Gospel  in  destitute  places  and 
weak  churches,  in  organizing  district  co-operations 
and  superintending  the  work  of  the  same.  They 
shall  also  co-operate  with  any  other  missionary 
agencies  of  the  Christian  brotherhood. 


423  OHKISTIAN   MISSIONS. 


AETICLE  Vin. 


Seotion  1.  The  annual  conventions  of  tlus  Society 
shall  be  held  in  the  month  of  August  in  each  year, 
at  such  time  and  place  as  may  from  time  to  time  be 
selected  by  the  Convention  or  Board  of  Directors. 

Sec.  2.  This  Constitution  may  be  altered  or 
amended  at  any  annual  meeting  or  convention  of  the 
Society  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  members  or  delegates, 
as  the  case  may  be,  present  and  voting. 


CHAPTER  XX. 
HISTORICAL  AND  STATISTICAL  TAELIS. 


428 


424 


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CHAPTER   XXI. 
MISSIONARY    DIRECTORY— 1883-1884. 

rOEEION  0HEI8TIAN  MISSIOISTARY  SOCIETT 

(1883-1884.) 

iJRESIDENT,  Isaac  Errett,  Cincinnati.  0.; 
Vice-Presidents^  J.  B.  Briney,  Covington, 
Ky. ;  R.  T.  Mathews,  Cincinnati,  O. ;  E.  T. 
Williams,  Cincinnati,  O. ;  Recording  Secre- 
tary,^. M.Jefferson,  Covington,  Ky. ;  Cor- 
responding Secretary,  A.  McLean,  Box  570,  Cincin- 
nati, 0. ;  Treasurer,  "W.  S.  Dickinson,  Cincinnati, 
0. ;  Auditor,  Hon.  J.  F.  Wright,  Mt.  Healthy,  O. ; 
Cormaittee  on  Bequests,  Hon.  J.  F.  Wright,  Mt. 
Healthy,  O. ;  (one  year).  Judge  Jacob  Burnet,  Cin- 
cinnati, O. ;  (two  years.)  Dr.  E.  Williams,  Cincin- 
nati, O. ;  (three  years.) 

QEKERAL   CHRISTIAN  MISSIONAEY  OONTENTION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  A.  Gr.  Thomas,  Atlanta,  Gfa. ;  Vice- 
Presidents,  J.  H.  Garrison,  Missouri;  R.  C.  Cave, 
Virginia ;  H.  O.  Breeden,  Indiana ;  Corresponding 
Secreta/ry,  Robert  Moffett,  Ohio ;  Recording  Secre- 
taries, W.  H.  Drapier,  Indiana ;  F.  D.  Power,  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia ;  N.  S.  Haynes,  Illinois ;  Treas- 

430 


MISSIONARY   DIRECTORY.  431 

urer^  Joseph  Smith,  Jr,  Ohio;  Auditor^  W.  S. 
Dickinson,  Ohio ;  Acting  Board  of  Managers^  R.  M. 
Bishop,  J.  F.  Fisk,  S.  M.  Jefferson,  E.  T.  Williams-, 
J.  R.  Gaff.  B.  W.  Wasson,  R  T.  Mathews,  Joseph 
F.  Wright,  and  H.  McDiarmid. 

CHRISTIAN  woman's   BOARD  OF  MISSIONS. 

(1883-1884.) 

President^  Mrs.  Maria  Jameson,  Indianapolis,  Ind.; 
Corresponding  Secretary^  Mrs.  Sarah  E.  Shortridge, 
Indianapolis ;  Recording  Secretary,  Mrs,  Lizzie  A. 
Moore,  Indianapolis ;  Treasurer^  Mrs.  Mary  T.  C. 
Cole,  Indianapolis. 

OHIO  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

(1883-1884.) 

President^  Leslie  R.  Gault,  Dayton;  Vice-Presi- 
dent^ J.  M.  Atwater,  Cleveland;  Corresponding 
Secretary^  Robert  MoflFett,  Cleveland;  Recording 
Secretary,  W.  H.  Martin,  Belief ontaine  ;  Treasurer, 
A.  Teachout,  Cleveland. 

INDIANA  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  David  Walk,  Indianapolis ;  Vice- 
President,  A.  M.  Atkinson,  Wabash ;  Correspond- 
ing Secretary,  W.  H.  Drapier,  Indianapolis ;  Record- 
ing Secretary,  John  M.  Bramwell,  Indianapolis; 
Treasurer,  Geo.  W.  Snyder. 


432  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONS. 

KENTUCKY  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President^  John  I.  Rogers,  Danville ;  Vice-Presi- 
dents, J.  C.  Walden,  Mt.  Sterling ;  C.  K.  Marshall, 
Nicholasville ;  Secretary,  Mark  Collis,  Midway; 
Assistant  Secretary,  M.  W.  Harkins,  Carlisle ; 
Executive  Board,  J.  W.  McGarvey,  Lexington ;  Jno. 
Shackleford,  Lexington  ;  W.  F.  Cowden,  Lexington  ; 
S.  E.  Pearre,  Lexington;  C.  L.  Loos,  Lexington; 
Jno.  S.  Shonse,  Lexington ;  Financial  Agent,  Jas. 
B.  Jones,  Carlisle ;  State  Evangelist,  Thos.  Munnell, 
Mt.  Sterling. 

ILLINOIS   CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY   CONVENTION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,.  J  T.  Toof ;  Vice-President,  S.  M.  Con- 
ner; Recording  Secretary,  E.  L.  Frazier;  Board  of 
Managers,  P.  Whitmer,  J.  S.  Roush,  M.  Swann,  D. 
R.  Van  Buskirk,  G.  D.  Sitherwood,  J.  H.  Gregory, 
G.  M.  Goode,  W.  R.  Carle,  and  G.  W.  Minier. 

ARKANSAS  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY   CONVENTION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  J.  A.  Martin,  Little  Rock;  Vice- 
Presidents,  Dr.  J.  M.  Gist,  Beebe;  J.  L.  Shinn,  Rus- 
selville ;  Corresponding  Secretary,  J.  K.  Reid,  Little 
Rock;  Recording  Secretary,  G.  W.  Shinn,  Little 
Rock ;  Treasurer,  John  Kellogg,  Little  Rock. 


MISSIONARY   DIRECTORY.  433 

NORTH  CAROLINA  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President^  Dr.  J.  T.  Walsh,  Kingston;  Vice- 
President^  M.  T.  Moye,  Wilson ;  Recording  Secre- 
tary, J.  V.  Harper,  Harpers ;  Corresponding  Sec- 
retary, J.  J.  Harper,  Smitlifield ;  Treasurer,  E.  A. 
Moje,  Farmville ;  Board'  of  Managers,  J.  L.  Burns, 
Robersonville ;  L.  L.  Chestnutt,  Farmville ;  Dr.  R. 
W.  King,  Wilson ;  H.  C.  Bowen,  Catherine  Lake ; 
J.  L.  Winfield,  Washington ;  H.  Brown,  Hamilton  ; 
H.  S.  Davenport,  Plymouth  ;  H.  Winfield,  Roberson- 
ville; M.  T.  Moye,  President. 

Annual  Membership,  $2.00. 

Life  Membership,  $20.00  in  annual  installments 
of  two  dollars. 

All  remittances  must  be  sent  to  the  Correspond- 
ing Secretary. 

NEW  YORK  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  J.  H.  H.  Nesslage,  New  York .  Vice- 
President,  J.  C.  Hutchings,  Brooklyn ;  Correspond- 
ing Secretary,  B.  H.  Hayden,  Freedonia ;  Recording 
Secretary,  J.  C.  B.  Stivers,  Waverly;  Treasurer, 
Robert  Christie,  New  York. 

MISSOURI  CHRISTIAN  CONVENTION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  J.  A.  Brooks,  Warrensburg;  Vice- 
Presidents^  (jteo.  Plattenburg,  Dover;   O.  A.  Oarr, 

28 


434  CHRISTIAN  MISSIOWB. 

Colnmbia ;  Recording  Secretary^  J.  W.  Mount]  oy; 
Columbia ;  Auditor^  Frank  W.  Allen,  Fulton,  State 
Evangelist,  O.  A.  Carr,  Columbia;  Corresponding 
Secretary,  J.  H.  Duncan,  Platte  City. 

MISSIOISTARY  BOARD. 

President,  A.  B.  Jones,  Liberty ;  Recording  Secre- 
tary, E.  C.  Wliite,  Kansas  City ;  Treasurer,  D.  O. 
Smart,  Kansas  City ;  T,  P.  Haley,  Kansas  City ;  Geo. 
S.  Bryant,  Independence;  A.  E.  Higgason,  Inde- 
pendence; J.  W.  Monser,  Belton ;  G.  W.  Longan, 
Plattsburg ;  A.  Procter,  Independence. 

CALIFORNIA   STATE   BOARD    OF   EVANGELIZATION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  E.  B.  Ware,  1114  0  Street,  Sacramento ; 
Secretary,  J.  H.  McCollougb,  Washington  Corners ; 
Treasurer,  Selden  Sturges,  San  Francisco ;  W.  W. 
Smith,  Yacaville ;  Silas  March,  Stockton;  Wm.  Rice, 
Saratoga ;  Wm.  Johnson,  Richland  ;  State  Evangel- 
ist, R.  L.  McHatton,  1114  O  Street,  Sacramento. 

THE  KANSAS  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY  CO-OPERATION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  A.  Ellett,  Burton ;  Vice-President,  A.  J. 
Thompson,  Manhattan;  Treasurer^.  H.  H.  Thatcher, 
Topeka;  Recording  Secretary,  B.  H.  Smith,  Fort 
Scott;  Corresponding  Secretary^  F.  M.  Rains,  Leaven- 
worth. 


MISSIONARY   DIRECTORY.  435 

MISSIONARY  BOARD  OF  THE    OnUROBLES   OF  0HRI8T    IN 
OREGON. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  W.  H.  Adams,  Portland;  Vice-President, 

Leo.  Willis,  Salem ;  Recording  Secretary,  Mrs.  Belle 
P.  Walker,  Forest  Grove ;  Treasurer,  I.  G.  Davidson, 
Portland ;  Corresponding  Secretary,  J.  W.  Spriggs, 
Salem. 

MIOHiaAN  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY  ASSOCIATION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  J.  H.  Keese,  Bangor;  Vice-President, 
Elias  Sias,  Cascade;  Corresponding  Secretary, 
A.  S.  Hale,  Grand  Rapids;  Recording  Secretary, 
M.  B.  Rawson,  Wayland;  Treasurer,  Russell  J. 
Stow,  Grand  Rapids. 

W.  VIRGINIA  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY  CONVENTION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  A.  E.  Myres,  West  Liberty;  Vice- 
Presidents,  Prof.  W.  H.  Wooler}^,  Betliany ;  C.  F. 
Mortimer,  Wellsburg;  Recording  Secretary,  E.  J. 
Hart,  Wheeling;  Corresponding  Secretary,  Finley 
Oakes,  Wortliington ;  Treasurer,  Samuel  Adams, 
Wheeling ;  Board  of  Managers,  Jacob  Curtis,  Beth- 
any ;  A.  Garrison,  Pedlars'  Run  ;  S.  K.  Jacob, Wortli- 
ington ;  Alex.  Kuhn,  Bethany ;  S.  R.  Hannen,  Glen 
Easton ;  Perry  Moore,  Ravenswood ;  J.  B.  Sommer- 
ville,  Wellsburg. 


436  OHKISTIAN  MISSIONS. 

PENNSYLVANIA    OHEISTIAN    MISSIONARY 
CONVENTION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President^  I.  A.  Thayer,  New  Castle;  Yice-Presi- 
dent,  D.  M.  Kinter ;  Corresponding  Secretary,  A.  B. 
Chainlberlain,  Philadelphia;  Recording  Secretary, 
Thomas  D.  Butler,  Johnstown;  Treasurer,  H.  S.  Schell, 
Pittsburgh. 

WISCONSIN  OHEISTIAN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  John  Hurd,  Yiroqua ;  Vice-President, 
W.  H.  Dean,  Center;  Corresponding  Secretary,Wi\.- 
ton  Wells,  Footville;  Recording  Secretary,  A.  L. 
Fisher,  Center ;  Treasurer,  George  I.  Parmley,  Foot- 
vUle;  Managers,  Ira  Parmley,  Center;  James  M. 
Berry,  Fairfield;  D.  G.  Nance,  Monroe;  J.  J.  Ai'm- 
strong,  Twin  Grove,  Green  Co. ;  John  Robertson, 
Platteville. 

IOWA  CHRISTIAN  CONVENTION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  D.  R.  Dungan,  Des  Moines;  Yice- 
Presidents,  J.  A.  Beattie,  Oskaloosa  ;  Secretary,  J. 
B.  Va^vter,  Altoona ;  Treasurer,  C.  E.  Fuller,  Des 
Moines  ;  Evangelists,  J.  H.  Painter,  Columbus  City ; 
G.  L.  Brokaw,  Liscomb ;  J.  K.  Cornell,  Kent ;  H.  P. 
Dyer,  Kellogg. 

Send  all  moneys  for  State  Missions  to  J.  B.  Vawter, 
Altoona. 


MISSIONAKY   DIKECTOEY.  437 

COLORADO    OHRISTIAN   MISSIOJSTAEY   SOCIETY. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  Wm.  Bayard  Craig,  Denver;  Vice- 
Presidents,  J.  E.  Barnum,  Denver  ;  W.  H.  Williams, 
Denver ;  D.  J.  McCanne,  Denver ;  Corresponding 
Secretary,  Not  named,  Denver;  Recording  Sec- 
retary, W.  B.  Ebbert,  Pueblo ;  Treasurer,  Jerry  N. 
Hill,  Denver. 

NEBRASKA  CHRISTIAN   MISSIONARY    CONVENTION. 

(1883-1884.) 

President,  J.  Z.  Briscoe,  Lincoln ;  Vice-President, 
William  Snmpter,  Nelson ;  Corresponding  Secre- 
tary,  R.  C.  Barrow,  Tecumseh ;  Recording  Sec- 
retary,  N.  B.  Alley,  Lincoln ;  Treasurer,  E.  M. 
Hunt,  Lincoln. 


OHEISTIAN   MISSIONS. 


BEQUESTS. 

GENERAL  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY  CONVENTION 

FORM  OF    BEQUEST. 

"I  hereby  give  and  bequeath  to  the  General  Christian  Mission- 
ary Convention,  whose  headquarters  are  in  Cincinnati,  O.,  the 
sum  of dollars,  to  be  used  solely  for  the  spread  of  the  Gos- 
pel of  Jesus  Christ,  under  the  direction  of  its  Board  of  Mana- 
gers." 

K  the  bequest  consists  of  real  estate,  it  should  be 
particularly  described.  If  the  testator  desires  his 
money  to  be  used  for  any  special  object,  he  should 
indicate  it.  Wills  should  conform  strictly  to  the 
laws  of  the  State  in  which  the  testator  resides. 

All  business  correspondence  and  remittances 
should  be  addressed  to  Robert  Moffett,  Correspond- 
ing Secretary,  715  Logan  Ave.,  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

FOREIGN  CHRISTIAN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY, 

FORM  OF   BEQUEST. 

The  following  form  may  be  employed  by  persons 
desiring  to  donate  a  sum  of  money  by  will  for  the 
uses  of  this  society. 

I  give  and  bequeath  to  the  Foreign  Christian  Missionary  Society, 
of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  a  corporation  existing  under  the  laws  of 

the  State  of  Ohio,  the  sum  of  $ and  the  receipt  of  the 

Treasurer  thereof  shall  be  a  sufficient  discharge  to  my  executors 
for  the  same. 

All  business  correspondence  and  remittances 
should  be  addressed  to  A.  McLean,  Corresponding 
Secretary,  Box  570,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 


John  Burns'  Catalogue. 


»>~<s#e>o<. 


BAXTER,  WILLIAM. 

Life  of  Elder  Walter  Scott,  with  sketches  of  his  fello-w-laborers, 
William  Hayden,  Adamson  Bentley,  John  Henry  and  others.  Steel 
portrait.    450  pages $2  09 

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brought  more  souls  into  the  fold  of  Christ  than  any  one  man  in  the 
Reformation.    Cloth,  price •  •  •    1  2.") 

BRADEN,  CLARK. 

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The  Problem  of  Problems.  By  aark  Braden.  Thi.s  book  should 
be  in  the  hands  of  every  preacher  and  believer  of  tlie  Scriptures. 
It  states  briefly  the  demands  of  the  problem  for  which  Evolution 
and  Darwinism  undertake  to  give  a  solution.  It  shows  the  relation 
of  Religion  and  Science,  and  especially  Geology,  to  the  statements 
of  the  Scriptures.    Price "00 

BRENTS,  DR.  T.  W. 

The  Gospel  Plan  of  Salvation.    12mo,  cloth.  667  pages 2  50 

BUTLER,  MARIE  R. 

Riverside ;  or,  "Winning  a  Soul.    12mo,  174  pages,  cloth,  illustrated       75 

Grandma's  Patience ;  or,  Mrs.  James'  Christmas  Gift  32mo.  cloili 
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JOHN  BURNS'  CATALOGUE. 


BURNETT,  DAVID  STAATS. 

The  Christian  Sunday-School  L,lbrary.  New  edition,  with  new  illus- 
trations, written  and  published  expressly  for  Christian  Sunday  Schools 
and  Christian  families. 


Goodness  of  God. 
Miracles  of  Christ. 
Childhood  of  Jesus. 
Great  Preachers.    Part  1. 
"  Part  2. 

Young  Teachers.    2  Vols. 
The  Air  we  Breathe. 
Our  Duties. 
Mary  and  Martha. 
Old  Testament  Facts. 
Rare  Testimony. 
Maternal  Influence. 
The  Great  Teacher. 
Uncle  Harlin'  s  Voyages.    2  Vol*. 
Week-Day  Readings.    2  Vols. 
History  of  David. 
Law  of  Love. 
Apostle  Peter. 
Battle  of  Life. 
Plea  for  Sunday  Schools. 
Searching  the  Scriptures. 


Americans  in  .Terusalem.    3  Vols. 
LeKSons  lor  Teachers. 
Law  of  Beneficence. 
The  Israelite. 
Lectures  for  Children. 
Our  Lord  and  Saviour. 
Jesus  is  the  Christ. 
Broken  Houseliold. 
Weeping  and  Tears. 
History  of  Jesus.    Part  1. 
Part  2. 
**  **  Parts. 

The  Chinese.    3  Vols. 
Wonders  of  the  Atmosphere. 
Fanny  Manning. 
God's  Goodness. 
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Outward  INIan. 
Life  of  Paul. 
The  Happy  Day. 
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To  all  purchasers  of  libraries,  I  will  give  a  discount  corresponding  to 
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Every  school  should  have  a  circulating  library  of  carefully  selected 
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the  real  wants  of  the  readers. 

I  will  make  it  my  aim  to  make  a  selection  suited  to  the  wants  of  our 
brethren.  I  can  supply,  to  order,  anything  needed  in  this  line.  See  pages 
67-69, 

CAMPBELL,  ALEXANDER. 

The  Christian  System,  in  reference  to  the  Union  of  Christians  and 
a  Restoration  of  Primitive  Chri.stianity  as  jjlead  in  the  Current  Re- 
formation.    By  A.  Campbell.     12mo,  358  pages,  cloth $  1  50 

A  Debate  on  the  Roman  Catholic  Religion,  held  in  Cincinnati, 
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JOHX  BURNS'  CATALOGUE. 


CAMPBELL,  ALEXANDER— Continued. 

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GARFIELD,  PRESIDENT  JAMES  A. 

The  Great  Speeches  of  James  Ahram  Garfield,  -with  a  Memorial 
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GARFIELD'S  GREAT  SPEECHES. 

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ment of  "  What  the  Disciples  Believe  and  Practice,"  by  Isaac  Errett, 


12  .JOHN  BURNS'  CATALOGUE. 


piiWishprl  hy  permission  in  this  volume,  as  they  appeared  in  the 
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JOHN  BURNS'  CATALOGUE.  13 


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President  Garfield  and  Education.  General  Garfield  was  a  scho- 
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most  satisfaction.  Hence,  such  of  his  utterances  concerning  educa- 
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HARTZEL,  JONAS. 

The  Baptismal  Controversy ;  Its  Exceeding  Sinfulness.  By  Elder 
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guished author,  than  whom  few  men  are  better  fitted  to  write  upon 
this  vexed  question.  The  work  forms  a  neat  and  well  executed  vol- 
ume of  3S7  pages,  and  contains  as  a  frontispiece  a  well  executed 
portrait  and  autograph  of  the  well-known  author.    12mo.    Cloth. . .     1  50 

The  Divinity  of  Christ,  and  the  Dually  of  Man.  By  Elder  Jonas 
Ilartzel. 

Important  themes  handled  in  a  masterly  way  by  a  close  rcasoner  and 
a  careful  student  of  the  word  of  Goil.'  With  "as  much  Rationalism 
and  Materialism  as  are  now  afloat,  it  is  important  that  Disciples 
every^vhere  be  fully  armed.  This  book  of  176  pages  is  an  excellent 
helper  in  these  controversies,  and  should  be  generally  read  and 
Studied.    Price 75 


14  JOHN  BURNS'  CATALOGUE. 


HAYDEN,  AMOS   SUTTON. 

Early  History  of  the  Disciples  in  the  Western  Reserve,  Ohio* 
with  Biographical  Sketches  of  the  Principal  Agents  in  their  Relig- 
ious Movement    12mo,  476  pages,  cloth $  2  90 

JOHNSON,  B.  W. 

A  Vision  of  the  Ages  ;  Or,  Lectures  on  the  Apocalypse:  a  complete 
view  of  the  Book  of  Revelations.  By  B.  W.  Johnson,  editor  Evan- 
gelist.   12mo,  cloth 1  25 

LARD,  M.  E. 

Commentary  on  Paul's  Letter  to  the  Romans;  With  a  revised 
Greek  text,  compiled  from  the  best  recent  authors,  and  a  new  trans- 
lation. The  author's  well-known  ability  as  a  biblical  scholar  and 
critic,  is  fvdly  sustained  in  this,  his  life  work.  It  has  received  the 
unqualified  indorsement  of  the  Disciples  of  Christ  everywhere.  The 
press  is  unanimous  in  its  pniise.  Printed  on  the  finest  white  wood- 
cut book  paper.     One  volume,  octavo,  485  pages.    Cloth 3  00 

Keview  of  Camphellism  Examined.  A  new  edition  with  an  intro- 
duction bv  Alexander  Campbell.  The  most  valuable  and  popular 
work  published  on  the  differences  between  Disciples  and  Baptists. 
1  vol.  octavo,  297  pages,  cloth.    Price 1  50 

LUCAS,  D.  R. 

Conversion  of  Paul  Darst;  Or,  The  Conflict  of  Love  and  Duty.  By 
D.  R.  Lucas.    Cloth  1  00 

MARTIN,  J.  L. 

Voice  of  the  Seven  Thunders.  By  Elder  J.  L.  Martin.  This  is  per- 
haps the  most  wonderful  book  of  its  kind.  It  is  composed  of  a 
series  of  lectures  on  the  Book  of  Revelation,  by  the  late  Elder  J.  L. 
Martin.  It  has  received  the  very  highest  recommendations  of  the 
press,  both  religious  and  secular.  It  has  been  called  the  "Apocalyp- 
tic Key."     Price 1  50 

MATHES,  J.  M. 

TTestern  Preacher.  By  Elder  J.  M.  Mathes.  This  is  a  valuable 
book  containing  thirty  sermons  by  some  twenty-four  of  our  leading 
preachers,  living  and  dead.  It  contains  a  splendid  Lithographic  pur- 
trait  01  the  author.     Price 2  00 

Life  of  Elder  E.  Goodwin.  The  Pioneer  Preacher,  by  Elder  J.  M. 
Mathes.  It  is  a  neat  and  well-bound  volume.  It  contains  a  plain 
and  truthful  account  of  the  events  in  the  life  of  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  men  in  the  history  of  Christian  Civilization.  It  is  a  book 
that  ought  to  be  read  by  all,  inspiring  as  it  does,  to  deeds  of  nobis 
moral  heroism.    314  pages  ;  cloth 1  25 

MONSER,  J.  W. 

An  Encyclopedia  on  the  Evidences ;  or.  Masterpieces  of  many 
Minds,  being  selections  from  the  master  thinkers  of  the  world,  on 
GOD,  MAN  and  DESTINY,  comprising  a  collection  of  "Thoughts 
that  Breathe,"  such  a.s  have  never  before  appeared  in  one  volume, 

making  a  book  of  071  8vo.  pages.      Price,  bound  in  cloth 3  00 

Library  Style 3  50 

Half  Morocco,  cloth  sides,  gilt  edges 5  00 


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CHRISTIAN  MISSIONS.  Historical  .Sketches  of  Mis- 
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an  Introduction  by  W.  K.  Pendleton,  President  of  Beth- 
any College.     12  mo.,  438  pages  ;  cloth,  $1.50. 

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Cloth,  .351  pages,  $1.50. 

Eclectic  S  S.  Lesson  Commentary  for  1884.     By  J.  W. 

Monser.  Teachers'  Pxiition,  $1.00.   Scholars'  Edition.  50c. 

Missouri  Christian  Lectures  for  1883.     By  A.  B.  Jones, 
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Caskey's  Book,  Containing  the  noted  Lectures  and  Ser- 
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